New Zealand Ambassador outlines cooperation priorities in Vietnam

In an interview with a reporter from the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper, the New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries in agriculture, climate change adaptation, and gender equality promotion. From practical models like the VietFruit project to community-based initiatives led by women, New Zealand is steadily working alongside Vietnam to build an agricultural sector that is both effective and inclusive, as well as sustainable.

Specifically, Ambassador Caroline Beresford highlighted Vietnam’s key role within the ASEAN region, noting that it is one of the few countries receiving both bilateral and regional development assistance from New Zealand.

According to the Ambassador, this reflects Vietnam’s significance in New Zealand’s foreign policy and development cooperation strategy.

New Zealand’s collaboration with Vietnam focuses particularly on agriculture, especially high-value crops and export-oriented processing.

The VietFruit project is currently supporting smallholder farmers in improving the quality of products such as dragon fruit and passion fruit, while also promoting the application of scientific techniques like soil analysis, pest and disease control, and integrating sustainability into the value chain. The ultimate goal is to help Vietnamese farmers enhance product value and achieve sustainable incomes.

“I believe this is a highly relevant area for Vietnam - a country with a significant advantage in diverse and delicious fruit crops,” said Ambassador Caroline Beresford. “If we can support smallholder farmers in producing higher-value products, it will make a meaningful contribution to Vietnam’s long-term development goals.”

In addition, the Ambassador emphasized that women and girls are among the most affected by climate change and natural disasters. As such, New Zealand is committed to ensuring that 60% of its development budget includes component targeting women and girls.

For example, in small-scale projects like cash grant programs, communities will nominate individuals who deserve recognition for supporting women through hardships after COVID-19. According to the Ambassador, even modest support, like buying a pig or a few chickens, provides more than just income: it offers trust, resilience, and a sense of recognition and being heard.

Finally, the Ambassador noted that global trends are increasingly demanding more environmentally and socially responsible production. With its strengths in agricultural products, Vietnam has a major opportunity to rise in high-end international markets if it proactively transforms its production and supply chains toward sustainability. New Zealand remains committed to sharing experience and walking alongside Vietnam on this journey.