NZ-Viet Nam strengthen innovation and commercial ties

Three new commercial partnerships between New Zealand and Vietnam were unveiled today. The partnerships reflect the rapidly growing bilateral trade and expanding commercial opportunities across both countries. 

Trade between New Zealand and Vietnam reached NZ$3.41 billion in the year ended March 2026, up 70 per cent over the past five years. Viet Nam is now New Zealand's 13th-largest trading partner and 19th-largest export destination.  

Over 70 senior business and government leaders from New Zealand and Viet Nam met at a business event in Auckland, hosted by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) to mark the State visit of Viet Nam General Secretary and President, H.E. Tô Lâm. The event highlighted the evolution of the New Zealand-Viet Nam trade relationship from its traditional foundations in food and fibre towards a broader partnership spanning innovation, technology and high-value specialist services.  

The partnerships were shared in the presence of Minister for Trade and Investment Hon Todd McClay and General Secretary Tô Lâm. They included an aviation training partnership between the International Aviation Academy of New Zealand and Vietjet Aviation Academy, and two technology partnerships linking New Zealand companies ZEIL and Amalga, a McCrae Tech company with Vietnam’s CMC Global. Together, the partnerships will open new export opportunities in aviation cooperation, digital talent and digital health.  

"Viet Nam is one of New Zealand's most dynamic and important growth markets," said NZTE's Consul-General and Trade Commissioner to Viet Nam, Scott James. 

"While food and fibre remain a cornerstone of our trade relationship, we're seeing growing demand for New Zealand expertise in areas such as digital health, agritech, smart infrastructure and other technology-enabled solutions. This event was about helping businesses build the relationships that can unlock those opportunities."  

The business event and wider visit builds on growing momentum in the bilateral relationship. New Zealand and Viet Nam elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025, providing a platform for deeper economic and commercial engagement.  

As one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economies, Viet Nam is increasingly seeking international partners to support its ambitions for economic modernisation, productivity and innovation-led growth. Under General Secretary Tô Lâm's vision of a "New Era of Rising", science, technology and innovation have been identified as key drivers of future economic development. 

For New Zealand businesses, this presents opportunities across a range of sectors. 

In healthcare, rising demand for quality care and increased investment in digital health are creating opportunities for innovative New Zealand solutions and technologies. In agritech, New Zealand expertise in areas such as farm systems, precision agriculture and post-harvest technology aligns closely with Viet Nam's goals to improve productivity, food security and sustainability. Opportunities are also emerging in aviation, logistics and smart infrastructure as Viet Nam continues to invest heavily in transport and urban development.  

NZTE supports New Zealand exporters in Viet Nam through its Ho Chi Minh City office, helping businesses develop market knowledge, build capability and establish commercial connections. NZTE currently works intensively with 39 New Zealand exporters in the market and provides lighter-touch support to a further 55 businesses.  

As the New Zealand-Viet Nam relationship deepens, events like this help turn strong diplomatic ties into commercial outcomes that grow New Zealand’s economy.  

Commercial Partnerships