New Zealand – Vietnam’s reliable partner
(VOV) -New Zealand Governor-General Jerry Mateparae has affirmed his country’s pride in becoming Vietnam’s reliable partner in industries including food and beverages, forestry, construction, aviation, and education.
The NZ Governor-General met with HCM City leaders and 100 representatives of both countries’ business communities in the city on August 7.
Addressing the meeting, Governor-General Mateparae noted the surging trade exchanges the bilateral relationship has enjoyed in recent times and its encouraging potential for future development.
Since the signing of a comprehensive cooperation agreement in 2009, two-way trade turnover has increased by a record 70 percent.
Total trade turnover reached nearly $700 million in 2012, up 15 percent on a year earlier.
New Zealand’s exports to Vietnam increased 60 percent over the past five years, making it the country’s fastest growing export market within the ASEAN bloc.
Mateparae said the prosperity has consolidated the time-honored friendship between the two countries.
The NZ Governor-General highlighted the economic promise HCM City boasts for cooperation with New Zealand.
HCM City People’s Committee Vice Chairman Le Manh Ha recounted some of the contributions the NZ business community has made to his city’s achievements. At present, New Zealand’s eight HCM City investment projects are capitalised at a total exceeding US$18.5 million.
Ha said the modest figure has not fulfilled the two countries’ potential. He expressed his confidence that the signing of a 2013–2016 action plan and the double tax avoidance agreement will give fresh impetus to bilateral economic cooperation.
HCM City’s local authorities promised to foster favourable long-term conditions for NZ businesses.