At New Zealand’s request, the phone conversation took place on the morning of April 10. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh praised the outcomes of PM Luxon’s February visit to Vietnam, particularly the joint declaration upgrading bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He proposed that both countries continue working together closely to develop an action program that implements the new partnership framework and translates their commitments and agreements into concrete outcomes.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh informed his counterpart about Vietnam’s active discussions with the U.S. concerning reciprocal tariffs. This includes a phone call between General Secretary To Lam and U.S. President Donald Trump, and a series of measures taken by Vietnam to promote bilateral trade. These include preferential interest rates, credit support packages, tax and fee reductions, and cutting administrative costs to help businesses adapt to the situation.

He emphasized that in the face of global economic and trade uncertainties, Vietnam remains calm, neither panicked nor complacent, and is prepared to adapt under any circumstances. Vietnam’s approach is to engage in persistent and proactive dialogue and cooperation with the U.S. and other partners, aiming for shared interests and risk-sharing solutions, while avoiding confrontation that could worsen the situation.

The Prime Minister noted this period as a strategic opportunity for Vietnam to accelerate economic restructuring, promote green and digital transformation, and explore new growth drivers while diversifying potential export markets.

He welcomed recent positive developments, especially President Donald Trump's announcement of a 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs for multiple trade partners.

Vietnam will continue active communication with U.S. agencies to work toward a trade cooperation framework that ensures balanced benefits for both countries and protects the legitimate interests of their people and businesses.

In the current context, nations must foster dialogue and mutual understanding, and strengthen cooperation through multilateral economic linkages.

On that note, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed that Vietnam and New Zealand enhance information sharing, cooperation, and coordination in trade frameworks where both countries are members, including the ASEAN – Australia – New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

He also urged New Zealand to strengthen trade and investment ties under the spirit of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, further diversify import and export items, and aim to achieve a bilateral trade volume of USD 3 billion by 2026.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed the shared perspectives of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. He emphasized the mutual interest of both countries in maintaining uninterrupted global trade systems and supply chains, which are essential for stable growth and national prosperity.

Luxon agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation and expand engagement within multilateral frameworks.

Both leaders also reaffirmed their support for ASEAN’s central role in regional issues and backed efforts to sustain positive momentum in ASEAN–U.S. relations, contributing to an open, inclusive, fair, and rules-based multilateral trade system.

Tran Thuong