New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. (Source: Xinhua)

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to embark on an official visit to Vietnam from February 25-28, accompanied by a high-level business delegation, marking a significant push to economic ties between the two nations, according to an official website of the New Zealand Government.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Prime Minister Luxon highlighted Vietnam's emergence as Southeast Asia's rising star, standing out as one of the region's fastest-growing economies.

This year our two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. My visit will further energise our relationships, strengthen existing trade, and open the door to more opportunities for New Zealand businesses, to grow incomes and create jobs here at home, he said in a statement.

Two-way trade has grown by 40% in the past five years and Vietnam is a market with huge opportunity for New Zealand in the areas of international education, and food and beverage offerings. Luxon committed to bolstering the trade revenue to 3 billion USD in 2026.

He will meet with Vietnamese leaders, discussing ways to enhance the strategic partnership as well as methods for bilateral cooperation. He will also deliver a keynote speech at the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 in Hanoi.

The timing of Luxon's visit is particularly significant as New Zealand is marking the 50th anniversary as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner. He stressed that New Zealand's future security and prosperity are intrinsically linked to ASEAN's success and its member states.

He will be accompanied on the trip by Minister of State for Trade and Investment Nicola Grigg.