Binh expressed his delight at the development of bilateral ties in politics, external affairs, economy-trade-development assistance, education-training, and people-to-people exchange as the two countries are celebrating the 10th anniversary of comprehensive partnership this year and the 45th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.
The Party official expressed his belief that the figure will rise to US$1.7 billion next year on the back of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) of which both nations are members.
He expected that New Zealand and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and New Zealand and Vietnam in particular would enhance collaboration to fully realise the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and soon conclude negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Robertson, for his part, affirmed that New Zealand highly evaluated Vietnam’s socio-economic development, considering the country an important partner in the region.
New Zealand pledged to support and work closely with Vietnam next year when Vietnam will become the ASEAN Chair, and New Zealand and ASEAN celebrate the 45th anniversary of dialogue relations and the fifth anniversary of strategic partnership, he said.