Vietnam summit to bring together Kiwi and Southeast Asian entrepreneurs

The event is being hosted by the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono in partnership with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The summit will bring together YBLI programme alumni and entrepreneurs from a range of industries, including agribusiness, technology, tourism, fashion, health, and food and beverages, to connect, collaborate, and explore new growth opportunities.

“Through this summit, we aim to build lasting connections among entrepreneurs from New Zealand and ASEAN,” said Suzannah Jessep, chief executive at the Asia New Zealand Foundation. “Vietnam is an important partner in the region and strengthening relationships, trade, and economic ties here benefits both sides.”

Nick Siu, director of business and entrepreneurship at the foundation, added, “This is a chance for business leaders to learn from each other, find ways to collaborate, and develop new ideas that could lead to partnerships.”

“YBLI opened doors for my business, helping to secure our first export customer in Singapore. I look forward to strengthening these connections at the upcoming event,” said Nick Carey, managing director of Green Meadows Beef in New Zealand.

“The summit will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow changemakers and discover ways to advance our sectors together,” said Bicky Nguyen, co-founder of Cricket One in Vietnam.

The summit marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and both ASEAN and Vietnam, as well as the 30th anniversary of the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

“New Zealand is proud to be a close friend and partner of ASEAN for more than 50 years,” says New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford. “Strengthening these ties goes beyond diplomacy, the summit will empower young leaders, builds partnerships, and creates mutually beneficial opportunities for ASEAN and New Zealand.”

Despite contributing only a modest share of Vietnam’s foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, New Zealand is positioning itself as a strategic partner in Vietnam’s next development chapter. The two nations’ deepening engagement is paving the way for increased capital flows in key areas such as green energy, agri-tech, education and training, and high-value manufacturing.

With shared goals, complementary industries, and a regional trade framework in place, Vietnam and New Zealand are well-positioned to enter a new era of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, writes Caroline Beresford, New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam.

As global exporters grapple with rising non-tariff barriers, Justine Aroll, general manager of trade strategy at Fonterra, spoke to VIR’s Hoang Oanh about how the dairy giant is navigating Southeast Asia’s complex trade landscape through regulatory expertise, long-term resilience planning, and strong local partnerships.