This figure was unveiled by New Zealand ambassador to Vietnam Haike Manning on the occasion of the scheduled visit to HCM City from March 18-20 by Steven Joyce, New Zealand’s Minister for Economic Development cum Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment.

The visit will open up opportunities to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment and education between the two nations.

With the removal of tariffs and trade barriers under the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the effects of the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement next month, New Zealand expressed hope for further investment in both markets.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, which is expected to conclude later this year, will bring further investment opportunities for both nations.

New Zealand has been always a reliable partner of Vietnam in the areas of its strength such as food, drinks and beverages, education, aviation, agriculture, forestry and tourism, said the New Zealand diplomat.

During the working visit to HCM City, Minister Steven Joyce will meet Chairman of HCM City’s People’s Committee, Le Hoang Quan to discuss economic and trade issues and the important role of New Zealand’s business community in HCM City in stepping up cooperation between the two nations.

He will also meet Vietnam’s leading entrepreneurs and the New Zealand business community in HCM City.