This is her first visit to Viet Nam, organised while the two countries are organising activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The visit aims at boosting a comprehensive, long-term and stable partnership between the two sides.
The relations between the two countries have been developing nicely. Visits by the two countries' leaders in recent years have marked a new development in relations and co-operation in executive and legislative sectors, and between the two peoples.
During a visit to New Zealand by Prime Minister Phan Van Khai in May, the two countries signed a declaration on bilateral cooperation.
Currently, New Zealand is ranked 33rd among Viet Nam's trading partners and 35th in export markets.
In terms of investment, as of July, New Zealand was ranked 36th among countries and territories that invest in Viet Nam, with a total investment of 44.4 million USD.
New Zealand supports Viet Nam's bid to join in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Currently, the two sides are striving to conclude negotiations for Viet Nam to join the trade organisation./.