This marks the first state visit by a Vietnamese General Secretary and State President to the country, following the upgrade of bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025, giving the two sides an opportunity to set priorities for the new phase of relations.

Ambassador Giang told the press that the visit demonstrates Vietnam's strong attention to New Zealand as an important and effective partner in the South Pacific and is expected to provide fresh impetus for bilateral ties to develop in a deeper, more substantive and effective manner.

Turning the upgraded framework into results

The ambassador said the elevation of bilateral ties has opened a new chapter in cooperation, but the next priority is to translate the political commitments under the new framework into concrete programmes and results.

The two countries are implementing their Action Programme for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 2025-2030, which provides an important foundation for expanding cooperation in both established and emerging areas.

According to the diplomat, the two sides should continue strengthening political and security ties, increase high-level and people-to-people exchanges, and make more effective use of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Economic links are another priority. The two countries have set a target of raising bilateral trade to US$3 billion, requiring stronger efforts to address technical barriers, facilitate market access and make better use of the free trade agreements to which both are parties.

Education, a longstanding bright spot in bilateral relations, should also be expanded to support the development of high-quality human resources.

Technology and climate action offer new opportunities

Science and technology and climate change response are emerging as new pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, according to the ambassador.

The two sides have room to expand cooperation in innovation, digital transformation, smart agriculture, environmental protection, emissions reduction and green transition, as well as renewable energy including wind and solar power.

These areas offer opportunities to combine New Zealand's strengths and experience with Vietnam's growing demand for technology, innovation and sustainable development solutions.

Such cooperation could generate new drivers for bilateral ties while helping both countries address shared challenges related to climate change, energy and sustainable development.

Better connectivity, stronger people-to-people links

Improving direct connectivity between the two countries could also provide a major boost to bilateral relations.

Ambassador Giang suggested Vietnam and New Zealand should work towards direct air services or more convenient connecting options, which would facilitate travel and expand opportunities in tourism, trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchanges.

The Vietnamese community in New Zealand is another important bridge between the two countries. The ambassador noted that the community has integrated well into New Zealand society while maintaining cultural ties with Vietnam and contributing to bilateral friendship.

During the visit, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam is expected to meet Vietnamese community representatives in New Zealand and some South Pacific island countries.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for overseas Vietnamese to share their aspirations and contributions to national development, and strengthen their role as a bridge between Vietnam and New Zealand.

A new phase for bilateral ties

From politics and trade to education, technology, climate action and people-to-people exchanges, the upcoming visit is anticipated to help translate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into more tangible outcomes.

For both sides, the priority now is not simply to broaden the scope of cooperation, but to turn the new strategic framework into practical projects and benefits for businesses and people.

Ambassador Phan Minh Giang expressed his belief the visit can therefore provide fresh impetus for Vietnam-New Zealand relations, helping the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership develop in a deeper, more effective and mutually beneficial direction.