More opportunities for Vietnam's exports to New Zealand

The Vietnam Trade Office in New Zealand has highlighted numerous opportunities for Vietnam to expand its exports and strengthen cooperation in the New Zealand market.

Among key potential products is rice, which has significant room for growth. While New Zealand has a highly developed agricultural sector, with 90-95% of its produce destined for export, it imports a majority of its grains from Australia, Thailand, and India.

To capitalize on this potential, the Vietnam Trade Office suggests that Vietnamese rice exporters thoroughly research the New Zealand market, including its consumption habits and preferences.

Seafood also offers considerable advantages for Vietnam. Despite New Zealand being a major seafood exporter itself, it imports substantial amounts from global suppliers, including Vietnam. Key Vietnamese seafood products exported to New Zealand include shrimp, frozen fish fillets, squid, octopus, and crab.

To facilitate the entry of Vietnamese agricultural and seafood products into New Zealand, the Trade Office emphasizes the importance of collaboration between Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

This cooperation should begin early, focusing on conducting Import Risk Assessments (IRA) and developing Import Health Standards (IHS) for Vietnam’s products. Additionally, encouraging MPI to carry out IRAs for Vietnamese lychees, longans, and cut flowers could open up new opportunities for exports.

Government agencies and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment are also encouraged to leverage New Zealand’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects and technical support. These initiatives could improve post-harvest preservation techniques and product processing, boosting the quality and competitiveness of Vietnamese exports.

Vietnam's participation in trade agreements such as the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has resulted in reduced or eliminated tariff and non-tariff barriers. These agreements provide a significant edge for Vietnamese goods in the New Zealand market compared to countries without similar trade agreements. Leveraging these advantages could help Vietnam expand its market share in New Zealand.