Suzannah Jessep, Executive Director of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. (Photo: VNA)

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s correspondent in Oceania, Jessep highlighted that the bilateral relationship has its roots in early engagements through family connections, medical professionals and Colombo Plan scholars—paving the way for enduring goodwill between the two nations. Vietnam joined the Colombo Plan in 2003.

According to Jessep, shared values and multilateral cooperation have also significantly advanced the bilateral partnership. “Both Vietnam and New Zealand are active participants in regional and global institutions. We share a strong commitment to international law, an open and rules-based trading system, and regional peace and stability,” she said. These shared values, she added, have helped shape collaboration and build strategic trust.

Trade is another key driver in the relationship, supported by natural economic complementarities. New Zealand exports high-quality dairy, fruit, timber and processed foods, while Vietnam supplies electronics, machinery, footwear and textiles. “This provides a strong foundation for continued trade growth and mutual benefit – especially at a time of deep disruption to the international trading system,” Jessep said.