At the launch on January 28, Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang said the Government of Vietnam is committed to creating favourable conditions for New Zealand businesses and investors to expand their operations in Vietnam in an effective and sustainable manner.

He added that the Vietnamese Embassy in New Zealand, alongside the Vietnam Trade Office, stands ready to work closely with business communities in both countries to enhance exchanges, facilitate market access, and strengthen the role of chambers of commerce and business associations, including the Auckland Business Chamber and the New Zealand–Vietnam Business Council, in directly connecting enterprises.

The launch ceremony was organised by the Auckland Business Chamber with support from the Vietnamese Embassy and Trade Office in New Zealand, attracting hundreds of representatives from New Zealand organisations, companies and individuals interested in exploring opportunities and seeking partners in the Vietnamese market.

Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges said the establishment of the NZVBC marks an important milestone for New Zealand’s business community and would contribute positively to the prosperity of both countries.

Describing Vietnam as a large and dynamic market of more than 106 million people and one of the fastest-growing economies in ASEAN, Bridges said the council would work to provide practical market insights, build trusted networks and help bridge the gap between strategy and action for businesses in both countries.

According to the organisers, the NZVBC would focus on promoting substantive cooperation for its members and, in coordination with partners, organise business forums, investment and trade promotion events, technology transfer activities, digital transformation and e-commerce initiatives.

The council is expected to become operational shortly, establish cooperation programmes, organise business delegations to Vietnam, and develop sector-based networks while drawing on the experience of companies already active in the Vietnamese market to provide advisory support.

Ho Chi Minh City marks 50 years of Vietnam-New Zealand diplomatic ties

VOV.VN - The 50th anniversary of Vietnam-New Zealand diplomatic relations (1975-2025) was celebrated in Ho Chi Minh City, attended by Caroline Beresford, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Vietnam, members of its business community and residents in the city, as well as numerous Vietnamese officials and alumni who studied in New Zealand.