Auckland, New Zealand – August 13, 2026 – Senior business and government leaders from New Zealand and Viet Nam gathered at the Jade Room, Cordis Hotel in Auckland for a high-level business forum hosted by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE). The event also marked the official State visit of Viet Nam’s General Secretary and President To Lam and celebrated the deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
The forum, attended by 80-100 guests including Trade Minister Hon Todd McClay, showcased the evolving bilateral trade relationship, which reached NZ$3.41 billion in the year ended March 2026, up 70% over five years. While food and fibre remain foundational, the spotlight has shifted toward innovation, technology, and high-value specialist services.
Three new commercial partnerships were unveiled at the event, including two technology collaborations linking New Zealand companies ZEIL and Amalga with Viet Nam’s CMC Global. These agreements will advance digital talent development and healthcare transformation.
Mr. Cuong Nguyen Cao, Vice President of CMC Corporation, Chief Sales Officer of CMC Global, delivered a compelling speech on behalf of one of Viet Nam’s leading technology corporations. He outlined CMC’s commitment to the New Zealand market with 3 strategic investment pillars: people, high-tech enterprises, and capital. CMC plans to invest US$20-30 million over the coming years to expand operations and build partnerships in areas including AI, digital health, and innovation.
“Science, technology and innovation will increasingly become an important pillar, creating new momentum for the strong cooperative relationship between our two countries in the next phase,” Mr. Cuong stated.
He also emphasized CMC’s role as a technology bridge: “We not only want to bring CMC’s technological capabilities to New Zealand, but also play the role of a technology bridge between the two countries, towards building long-term partnerships and co-developing solutions for the global market.”
The forum demonstrated how strong diplomatic ties are translating into tangible commercial outcomes, growing both nations’ economies and fostering innovation-led growth in the region.
