Hanoi, April 10, 2025 — The Europe Today: Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon held phone talks on Thursday morning to discuss the advancement of bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international matters of mutual concern.
The phone conversation, initiated at the request of the New Zealand side, reaffirmed the strong momentum in Vietnam–New Zealand ties following PM Luxon’s official visit to Vietnam in February 2025. During that visit, both countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through the signing of a Joint Statement.
Prime Minister Chính expressed his appreciation for the fruitful outcomes of the February visit and proposed that both sides intensify cooperation in formulating an Action Program to implement the newly upgraded partnership. He underlined the importance of translating commitments into concrete outcomes that align with the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Updating his counterpart on Vietnam’s current economic diplomacy, PM Chính noted the country’s ongoing discussions with the United States regarding reciprocal tariffs. He highlighted the recent phone call between General Secretary Tô Lâm and U.S. President Donald Trump on April 4, which addressed key trade concerns. He also outlined Vietnam’s proactive measures to promote two-way trade with the U.S., including preferential loan packages, reduced taxes and fees, and support mechanisms for enterprises.
Amidst global economic volatility, PM Chính emphasized Vietnam’s calm, strategic, and flexible approach. “Vietnam is not panicked nor complacent; instead, we are ready to adapt proactively,” he affirmed, stressing the country’s commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and risk-sharing over confrontation.
He further remarked that this period of uncertainty presents an opportunity for Vietnam to accelerate economic restructuring, pursue green and digital transformation, and diversify export markets.
PM Chính welcomed President Trump’s recent decision to temporarily suspend reciprocal tariffs on several trading partners for 90 days, and reiterated Vietnam’s intent to continue working with U.S. authorities toward a mutually beneficial trade framework that safeguards the legitimate interests of both nations’ peoples and businesses.
Addressing broader cooperation, PM Chính called for greater coordination between Vietnam and New Zealand within key multilateral frameworks such as the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). He advocated for enhanced bilateral trade and investment collaboration, aiming to diversify trade products and reach a two-way trade turnover of USD 3 billion by 2026.
Prime Minister Luxon commended Vietnam’s forward-looking stance and shared many of PM Chính’s views. He highlighted the two countries’ shared interests in maintaining a stable international trading system, resilient supply chains, and sustainable economic growth.
Luxon agreed to bolster bilateral cooperation and deepen engagement in multilateral economic frameworks. He also joined PM Chính in reaffirming both nations’ support for ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs and their shared commitment to an open, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trade order.
The two leaders concluded the talks with a strong mutual commitment to further deepening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the years ahead.
