HANOI – On the evening of February 25, 2025, a plane carrying New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and a high-level delegation landed at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, marking the beginning of an official visit to Vietnam. The trip, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations (June 19, 1975 – June 19, 2025), underscores the growing importance of their strategic partnership, which was officially established in 2020.
Luxon’s visit, made at the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, will last four days and includes participation in the ASEAN Future Forum 2025—a key regional event focused on economic integration and cooperation. The New Zealand delegation includes 25 business leaders, highlighting the economic dimension of the trip and the strong commercial interest in expanding ties with Vietnam.
Expectations and Key Focus Areas
Both Vietnam and New Zealand view this visit as a pivotal moment in their bilateral relationship. New Zealand considers Vietnam one of its most significant partners in the Indo-Pacific region, and this visit is expected to unlock new trade and investment opportunities. The two countries have seen strong growth in their economic, education, agricultural, and defense cooperation since upgrading ties to a strategic partnership.
A key expectation of the visit is the signing of multiple cooperation agreements across industries, particularly in agriculture, education, technology, and renewable energy. New Zealand has been a longstanding partner in Vietnam’s agricultural sector, contributing expertise in food safety and sustainable farming practices. Bilateral trade has also been on the rise, with Vietnam emerging as New Zealand’s fastest-growing trade partner in Southeast Asia. The two nations aim to further increase trade volume, which surpassed $2 billion USD in 2024.
On the diplomatic front, Luxon’s discussions with Vietnamese leaders are expected to focus on regional security, supply chain resilience, climate change cooperation, and the Indo-Pacific strategy. Both countries are strong advocates for a free and open trade environment, with commitments to agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
New Zealand’s ASEAN Commitment and Regional Role
As part of the visit, Luxon will also participate in the ASEAN Future Forum 2025, where he will reaffirm New Zealand’s dedication to ASEAN’s economic development and regional stability. New Zealand has been a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN since 1975 and plays an active role in initiatives that promote sustainable development, digital transformation, and disaster risk management.
Vietnam, as an influential ASEAN member, is a key partner in New Zealand’s Indo-Pacific strategy, and the visit aims to further integrate both nations into regional frameworks that promote peace, economic growth, and innovation.
A Milestone Visit with Long-Term Implications
Luxon’s visit to Hanoi marks a milestone in Vietnam–New Zealand relations, celebrating five decades of diplomatic engagement and five years of strategic cooperation. With new business deals, stronger regional collaboration, and deepened political ties, the trip is expected to lay the groundwork for even closer ties in the future. (zai)