New Zealand to Welcome Vietnam President To Lam on State Visit

Vietnam has become one of Asia's fastest-growing economies, with a population of more than 100 million people and GDP growth reaching 8 percent last year.

New Zealand is set to host Vietnam's President and General Secretary of the Communist Party, To Lam, for a State visit next week, marking another important step in the growing relationship between the two countries. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the visit reflects the strong momentum in bilateral ties and opens the door to deeper cooperation across several key sectors.

Growing Trade and Economic Partnership

Vietnam has become one of Asia's fastest-growing economies, with a population of more than 100 million people and GDP growth reaching 8 percent last year. The country has also emerged as a valuable trading partner for New Zealand, with two-way trade climbing to NZ$3.41 billion in the year ending March 2026. That figure represents a 72 percent increase over the past five years, highlighting the steady expansion of commercial ties.

Luxon said New Zealand wants to build on this progress by increasing collaboration in food and fibre, education, tourism, technology, aviation and investment. Stronger business links are expected to create more opportunities for exporters while supporting economic growth and employment across New Zealand.

Stronger Diplomatic Ties

The visit follows last year's decision by both countries to upgrade their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest level of diplomatic engagement between New Zealand and Vietnam. The agreement marked 50 years of diplomatic relations and reflects a shared commitment to closer political, economic and regional cooperation.

Vietnam also plays an influential role in regional organisations including ASEAN, APEC and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), making it an important partner for New Zealand in the Indo-Pacific region.

Official Meetings and State Events

President To Lam will arrive in Auckland on Wednesday, 12 August, and leave on Thursday, 13 August. During his visit, he and his delegation will take part in a State Welcome at Government House and hold meetings with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee.

The Governor-General will also host a State Lunch in honour of the visiting President. Luxon said he looks forward to discussing the next stage of cooperation between the two nations, adding that the visit carries special significance as it will be the first State visit to New Zealand by a Vietnamese President since 2007.