Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính recently met with Professor Neil Quigley, who serves as the Vice Chancellor of Waikato University and Chair of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. The meeting took place during the Prime Minister’s official visit to New Zealand at the invitation of his counterpart, Christopher Luxon.
During the discussion, Prime Minister Chính expressed his high regard for Waikato University, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to prioritizing Vietnam within the Southeast Asian region. He commended the university’s collaboration with the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training, as well as its joint programs with Vietnamese universities.
Prime Minister Chính proposed expanding cooperation in human resource development with Vietnam through initiatives such as establishing more branches within the country, offering scholarships, and facilitating the exchange of lecturers and teaching curricula. He highlighted new areas of interest for Vietnam, including digital technology, Fintech, artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, hydro, semiconductor chip, biotechnology, and the environment.
In his capacity as Chair of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Professor Quigley expressed his support for enhancing cooperation and experience sharing with Vietnam in developing macro policies related to interest rates, foreign exchange, credit, and banking. He praised Vietnam’s macro-economic governance and monetary policy measures.
The meeting also saw the exchange of cooperation agreements between Waikato University and several Vietnamese universities, with Minister of Education and Training Nguyễn Kim Sơn presenting the prestigious For the Cause of Vietnam’s Education insignia to Professor Quigley.
Additionally, Prime Minister Chính engaged with the Vietnamese professionals working in New Zealand represented by VietTech NZ. The group outlined their ongoing projects and programs supporting Vietnam across various sectors, including science and technology, education, health care, energy, trade, planning, and the environment. They proposed mechanisms for facilitating the involvement of overseas Vietnamese in domestic incubators and vice versa, as well as re-opening air routes to strengthen cooperation.
Prime Minister Chính acknowledged the valuable suggestions put forth by VietTech NZ and tasked relevant agencies with exploring ways to enhance connectivity with overseas Vietnamese intellectuals. He emphasized the potential for science and technology collaboration between Vietnam and New Zealand, urging VietTech NZ to facilitate connections between the two countries’ technology communities.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister met with Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges and executives from several New Zealand companies. He urged the business community to intensify efforts to elevate bilateral trade to US$2 billion, citing promising areas of mutual interest such as renewable energy, real estate, aviation, and fruit and vegetable trade.
During a visit to the Plan and Food Research Centre (PFR), Prime Minister Chính highlighted the synergies between Vietnam and New Zealand in agriculture and food processing, emphasizing the potential for enhanced cooperation in these fields. He encouraged both countries to leverage their strengths for mutual benefits and advance agricultural collaboration.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s engagements in New Zealand underscored the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across various sectors, with a focus on education, technology, business, and agriculture. The discussions and agreements reached during the visit are poised to foster greater collaboration and drive sustainable development in both Vietnam and New Zealand.
