Minister Le Manh Hung holds bilateral meeting with New Zealand Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay

Accompanying Minister Le Manh Hung were leaders of Foreign Market Development Department, Electricity Authority of Viet Nam; Viet Nam Industry Agency; Oil, Gas and Coal Department; the Ministry Office, and the Viet Nam Trade Office in New Zealand.

At the meeting, Minister Le Manh Hung reaffirmed that the Viet Nam - New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has continued to develop strongly in recent years, becoming increasingly substantive and effective. The two countries share many common values and maintain close cooperation in both bilateral relations and regional multilateral frameworks.

Against the backdrop of growing global and regional economic challenges, coupled with geopolitical uncertainties, the two ministers exchanged views on measures to further strengthen bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Both sides shared the goal of ensuring the uninterrupted flow of essential goods and regional supply chains while working towards achieving the bilateral trade target of USD 3 billion in the near future.

To further promote trade and advance the bilateral trade target, Minister Le Manh Hung proposed that New Zealand closely coordinate with Viet Nam in implementing several measures, including accelerating market access procedures for agricultural and food products; promoting two-way trade and investment activities, particularly encouraging New Zealand businesses to invest in Viet Nam; expanding cooperation in digital transformation, digital trade and cross-border e-commerce; connecting Vietnamese information technology and software enterprises with the New Zealand market; and continuing close coordination and mutual support in multilateral cooperation while effectively implementing free trade agreements to maximize benefits for the business communities of both countries.

Minister Todd McClay welcomed and agreed with Viet Nam's proposals. Regarding market access for agricultural, forestry and fishery products, he said he would work with relevant New Zealand agencies to help facilitate and accelerate the process.

On multilateral cooperation, Minister Le Manh Hung called on New Zealand to support Viet Nam in successfully carrying out its role as CPTPP Chair, ensuring practical benefits for all member economies. He also expressed hope that Viet Nam would continue to receive New Zealand's technical assistance and experience-sharing as it prepares to host APEC 2027.

Viet Nam highly values New Zealand's contributions to promoting policy dialogue, sharing experience in measuring trade in environmental goods, and supporting APEC initiatives on green growth.

In response, Minister Todd McClay expressed New Zealand's support for Viet Nam during its CPTPP chairmanship year and affirmed his country's readiness to provide any assistance Viet Nam may require.

Concluding the meeting, Minister Le Manh Hung extended an invitation to Minister Todd McClay to attend the 11th CPTPP Ministerial Commission Meeting, which is expected to take place in Viet Nam in November 2026.