Viet Nam’s Hidden Gems: Beyond Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced an official visit to Vietnam from February 25-28, accompanied by a delegation of senior business leaders.

His itinerary is focused on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, two key economic and political hubs in Vietnam. However, while this visit reinforces bilateral cooperation, there is untapped potential in other regions of Vietnam that New Zealand could explore for further collaboration.

Since assuming office, Mr Luxon has consistently prioritised diversifying New Zealand’s trade relationships, particularly within Southeast Asia. As a Vietnamese New Zealander, I suggest looking beyond Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to emerging economic hotspots that could offer valuable opportunities for bilateral trade and investment.

Quảng Ninh: An Economic Gateway

Located in Northeast Vietnam, Quang Ninh province is a crucial economic hub with a dynamic industrial sector and a burgeoning tourism industry, home to the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. Its modern infrastructure includes a newly developed airport and a foreign direct investment (FDI)-attractive industrial zone. The province also plays a key role in coal mining, electricity generation, and international trade due to its strategic border with China.

Quang Ninh has already attracted 130 FDI projects from 20 countries, amounting to nearly $14 billion in registered capital. Notably, partnerships have been forged between its academic institutions and New Zealand universities, presenting further opportunities for collaboration in education, energy, and tourism. With its strong industrial foundation and strategic location, Quang Ninh is an ideal area for New Zealand businesses to explore.

Nam Định: A Textile and Garment Powerhouse

Situated in the Red River Delta, Nam Dinh is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and its long-standing prominence in Vietnam’s textile and garment industry. The province was the first to establish a textile hub post-independence and remains a key player in Vietnam’s manufacturing sector.

Vietnam is a major supplier of footwear and apparel to New Zealand, contributing NZD 1.67 billion to imports, according to the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s latest report, Vietnam and New Zealand at 50: The Next Chapter.

Nam Dinh’s competitive advantages—including skilled labour, cost-efficient production, and high-quality materials—offer attractive opportunities for New Zealand fashion brands seeking manufacturing partnerships.

Đà Lạt: A Coffee and Adventure Tourism Hub

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter and the leading producer of Robusta coffee. Among its top coffee-producing regions is Da Lat, a picturesque city known for its lush pine forests, rolling hills, and mild climate.

Da Lat’s resemblance to New Zealand’s landscapes and outdoor culture, with activities such as trekking and mountain biking, presents an opportunity for collaboration in adventure tourism. Additionally, New Zealand’s expertise in agribusiness and sustainable farming practices could foster new partnerships in the coffee trade and specialty agriculture sectors.

Bình Dương: A Rising Industrial Hub

Located just 30 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong has rapidly emerged as an industrial and economic powerhouse. With over 30 industrial parks, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a pro-business environment, the province is an attractive alternative for investors looking for cost-effective manufacturing locations.

Industries such as electronics, textiles, furniture, and automotive parts thrive in Binh Duong, making it a compelling option for New Zealand businesses seeking competitive production costs and tax incentives. The province’s strong logistics network also enhances its potential as a trade and investment destination.

Beyond Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s diverse economic landscape offers numerous opportunities for New Zealand businesses. Other key locations such as Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An, and Sapa hold promise for tourism, trade, and education partnerships.

The Asia New Zealand Foundation’s research highlights Vietnam as a fast-growing, modern economy with substantial opportunities for New Zealand.

As we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties, expanding our cooperation to these emerging regions will strengthen economic resilience and deepen our partnership for years to come.

-Asia Media Centre