Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang has highlighted the potential and strengths of the City of Palmerston North, noting its complementarity with Viet Nam’s development priorities, especially in science and technology, innovation, green transition, and high-quality agriculture.
At a working session with Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith, Giang underlined Viet Nam’s efforts to achieve its two centenary goals, aimed at realising the vision of a strong, prosperous, and happy nation. He expressed his confidence in New Zealand and Palmerston North's support as a key contributor to the effective implementation of the Viet Nam – New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, bringing tangible benefits to people and businesses in both countries.
The Ambassador also suggested promoting exchanges and cooperation, including exploring partnerships between Palmerston North and Vietnamese provinces, cities, and localities. He took the opportunity to thank Smith and requested continued support for the Vietnamese community.
Smith acknowledged Viet Nam’s growing regional significance and praised its socio-economic achievements. He affirmed that Palmerston North will continue to work closely with the Vietnamese Embassy in New Zealand to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation with Vietnamese localities in the future.
During his visit to Palmerston North on September 7–8, Giang met with leaders of several educational institutions and applied research centres and also engaged with the local Vietnamese community living, working, and studying in the city.
Situated near the capital Wellington, Palmerston North offers strong potential for collaboration in education, training, high-quality human resource development, energy, high-tech agriculture, advanced crop and livestock management, and food safety.
