Mr Dung acknowledged ambassador Kember’s role in promoting bilateral cooperation in politics, economics, trade, investment, education and training. He noted that two-way trade between Vietnam and New Zealand has increased considerably in recent years, reaching more than US$300 million last year.

The two countries have also signed a number of agreements and deals, including those on economic and trade cooperation, investment protection and promotion, and aviation.

Mr Dung said that both countries should increase their comprehensive cooperation to match their potential. He also proposed that New Zealand continue to provide official development assistance to Vietnam and increase scholarships to Vietnamese students.

Ambassador Bember said he was impressed by the Vietnamese government’s economic management, steering the national economy out of the global financial turbulence. He affirmed that he will continue to make a further contribution to promoting relations between the two countries.