Da Nang, New Zealand promote technology, education, green development cooperation

The event was attended by Deputy Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee Ngo Xuan Thang, and Head of the Da Nang delegation; Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Ho Quang Buu; Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang; representatives from municipal departments and agencies; and numerous partners, experts, businesses, and members of the Vietnamese community in New Zealand.

Introducing Da Nang’s new development space

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Ho Quang Buu emphasized that science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation serve as key growth drivers for the city.

Da Nang hoped to expand international partnerships in human resource training, research, technology transfer, high-tech agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and sustainable development.

Vice Chairman Ho Quang Buu took that opportunity to introduce Da Nang’s new development space following its merging with the former Quang Nam Province. The city has its advantages of infrastructure, human resources, the Hi-Tech Park, the Free Trade Zone, and the vision to build the Vietnam International Financial Center in Da Nang.

Also, he underscored the city’s cooperative potential in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor chips, digital technology, and the innovative startup ecosystem.

During the discussion session, New Zealand partners shared several significant suggestions.

Dr. James Kember, former New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam in the 2006 - 2009 period and currently Chair of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs raised the critical challenge of securing water resources for urban and industrial use amid climate change.

Meanwhile, experts from Victoria University of Wellington and the Palmerston North City Council underscored the vital role universities play in startup ecosystems and agricultural value chains.

Notably, Ms. Charlotte Blackwell, Senior Manager of the International Office at Victoria University of Wellington, noted that the university is preparing a joint master’s program in TESOL with University of Foreign Language Studies under University of Da Nang, scheduled for rollout in 2027.

From a financial perspective, a former Asian Development Bank (ADB) expert suggested that Da Nang should establish a streamlined focal point to connect international capital and the projects and startups.

Regarding cultural exchange and tourism, President of the Wellington Vietnamese Association Nguyen Van Thai affirmed that the overseas Vietnamese community stands ready to support the promotion of Da Nang tourism.

Representing Māori tribal leadership, Mr. Hayden Hape expressed his admiration for Da Nang's culture and hospitality, informing that the Māori side plans to send cultural and business diplomacy delegations to Vietnam in March 2027.

Identifying three key pillars of cooperation

For his part, Deputy Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee Ngo Xuan Thang expected the Vietnamese Embassy in New Zealand to continue serving as a vital bridge to the business and investor communities. Additionally, he outlined three key pillars for future cooperation between Da Nang and New Zealand partners.

Firstly, fostering cooperation in strategic technology development and innovation ecosystems and strengthening connections among enterprises, universities, research institutes, and investment funds across fields such as AI, semiconductor chips, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, automation, and carbon credits.

Secondly, strengthening investment cooperation, technology transfer, and high-quality human resource development, especially training initiatives, expert exchanges, and collaborations with New Zealand universities to prepare a teaching workforce capable of delivering English language instruction and bilingual education in primary and secondary schools in Da Nang.

Third, expanding partnerships in green and sustainable development, based on New Zealand’s strengths in agriculture, resource management, environmental protection, clean technology, the circular economy, and climate change adaptation, while bolstering connections in wellness and resort tourism integrated with high-quality healthcare services.

Deputy Secretary Ngo Xuan Thang expressed his sincere gratitude to the Vietnamese Embassy in New Zealand, New Zealand partners, and the overseas Vietnamese community in New Zealand for their support and practical contributions to Da Nang.

Alongside, the Da Nang leader hoped to welcome overseas Vietnamese, experts, and businesses in New Zealand to come to the city to explore investment, research, and commercial opportunities.

By KIM OANH