‘Aroha’ spirit strengthens Vietnam -New Zealand partnership

Scott James, New Zealand Trade Commissioner and Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, aired to Tuoi Tre News his excitement for the future potential of the bilateral relationship.

James noted that while New Zealand and the city had reflected on the past 50 years of fantastic achievements, the real excitement is about what is to come.

"Ho Chi Minh City is the first place that Kiwis come whether it's for tourism, education, or business," the diplomat said.

"They landed here in Ho Chi Minh City from New Zealand and then spread out across the country.

"This city is a really important part of the relationship for us, and we're excited to see how we can continue to grow it."

In his opening remarks at the reception, James likened the Vietnam -New Zealand partnership to the Māori concept of a pou – the carved pillar symbolizing identity and strength.

The consul general stated that despite the geographic distance, New Zealand and Vietnam share meaningful common grounds.

Both nations are export-driven, outward-looking, and committed to open markets.

He added that trade is the engine that powers innovation, jobs, and long-term growth in both countries.

However, James stressed that above all, it is the people who matter most, echoing the Māori proverb: "What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people" (He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata).

The diplomat affirmed that over the past 50 years, this relationship has been carried by people – students, business leaders, officials, artists, and entrepreneurs.

"In Māori culture we speak of Kaitiakitanga – guardianship," James said.

"Guardianship of land, of opportunity, of people, and of the relationships entrusted to us.

"New Zealand and Vietnam share this responsibility.

"Together we are a kaitiaki of a partnership capable of uplifting both our nations and contributing to stability and prosperity across the region."

Honoring shared values between two nations

At the event, Ho Chi Minh City vice-chairman Hoang Nguyen Dinh said the past five decades demonstrates that the Vietnam -New Zealand relationship has been built on 'trust, respect, and goodwill.'

Despite being separated by thousands of kilometers, the two peoples continue to find shared values, a commitment to peace, compassion, resilience, and the aspiration for sustainable development.

"Perhaps the 'aroha' spirit of the New Zealand people – warmth, sharing, and kindness – meeting the Vietnamese tradition of loyalty and sincerity has helped the relationship between the two countries remain so close, natural, and inspirational," Dinh stated.

The official remarked that Ho Chi Minh City is proud to be one of the localities pioneering cooperation with New Zealand in many fields, from education and training, trade, and agriculture to climate change response, cultural exchange, and people-to-people links.

Dinh said that Ho Chi Minh City wishes to continue working with New Zealand partners to expand areas where both sides have strengths and share priorities, namely cooperation in education, science and technology, innovation, high-tech agriculture, sustainable trade, the green economy, and especially people-to-people exchange and connecting the younger generation.

"I believe that with a 50-year foundation that has been tested by time, along with the friendly, enduring, and substantive spirit characteristic of the Vietnam-New Zealand relationship, we will continue to achieve new successes, bringing practical benefits to the businesses and people of both countries," Dinh observed.