On 21 December I bade farewell to 30 excited students, the very first Vietnamese recipients of the new New Zealand/ASEAN scholarship. In the new year these scholars fly to New Zealand to commence their studies at New Zealand universities. They will undertake post-graduate study in the various fields of business, linguistics, agribusiness, public management, education and law.

During the recent APEC Leaders meeting leaders announced the Broad Outlines of a Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP).  They also endorsed an ambitious report from Trade Ministers which underscored the shared commitment to conclude a high quality Agreement, including comprehensive tariff elimination. These significant announcements have sparked renewed interest in the TPP negotiation both within

This last week I hosted a gathering of officials, academics and researchers, representatives of international organisations and local media at the New Zealand Residence to launch three new research funds established by the NZ government focussing on livestock farming and climate change. The three funds are aimed at supporting scientists from other countries including Viet Nam

Last week, I travelled to Binh Dinh Province in the Southern Central region of Viet Nam. Vietnamese readers of this blog may know of New Zealand’s long historical association with the region,which dates back to the provision of a New Zealand medical team in the 1960s.  Until recently, Volunteer Service Abroad had a presence there, and

  I have made two trips south to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) over the last couple of weeks to support NZ Inc activities in Viet Nam’s largest city. The first visit was in support of a seminar on New Zealand timber and timber technologies organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, under the auspices

 Last week I travelled to Ha Tinh city to attend the mid year donor Consultative Group. The CG is the main mechanism whereby countries who provide development assistance to Viet Nam have the opportunity for a dialogue with the Viet Nam government on economic and development policies.  They take place every six months and are attended

The Auckland-based ASEAN/NZ Combined Business Council launched a trade mission to Viet Nam from 1-10 March to pursue business interests in the sectors of food and beverage, construction and aviation services. The delegation, which was led by a senior New Zealand business executive, Sir Kenneth Stevens, included a mix of delegates exploring business opportunities here

We have received many expressions of condolence at the embassy following the devastating Christchurch earthquake from Vietnamese and expatriate colleagues and friends alike.  I know that Kiwis in Viet Nam in particular will be watching the unfolding tragedy with deep sadness and disbelief – and that some, like a number of embassy staff, have been touched personally through family and

Ethnic minorities are an important part of the social fabric of modern day Viet Nam. In many cases these minority groups live in isolated communities, with distinct languages, clothing and cultures. Living in Ha Noi or any one of the other main centres in Viet Nam it is easy to gloss over the extent of

Last week I travelled down to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to be with the Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key, during his bilateral visit to HCMC on 28/29 October. This was his second visit to Viet Nam this year – the first, in July, was the subject of my very first blog. In the course of