Da Nang, Auckland explore cooperation opportunities

The Da Nang delegation was received by Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson.

The Da Nang delegation also included Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Ho Quang Buu, Head of the Da Nang Specific Economic Zones Authority (DSEZA) Vu Quang Hung, and representatives of the municipal departments of Foreign Affairs; Agriculture and Environment; and Science and Technology.

In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Desley Simpson spoke highly of Da Nang as a dynamic urban center, an attractive tourism destination and a hub for innovation in Vietnam.

Noting the similarities between the two coastal cities and their shared commitment to sustainable development, she expressed her interest in learning from Da Nang's experience in maintaining a high quality of life at reasonable costs. Also, she highlighted the importance of strengthening people-to-people exchanges and educational ties.

On behalf of the Da Nang delegation, Deputy Secretary Ngo Xuan Thang thanked the Auckland authorities for their warm reception and outlined the new development opportunities in Da Nang.

The central Vietnamese city now covers approximately 11,800 square kilometers and has a population of more than three million. It also boasts extensive marine economic potential and is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary.

With the advantages of its Free Trade Zone and its ambition to become an international financial center, Da Nang has identified four priority areas for cooperation with Auckland: economic development and investment attraction; education, science and technology; tourism and culture; and urban management and development.

These areas also align with Auckland’s strengths, providing a basis for both sides to expand cooperation for mutual benefit.

Auckland has a population of approximately 1.82 million and accounts for around 38% of New Zealand’s GDP. This city has particular strengths in medical technology, clean technology, aerospace and advanced materials manufacturing, including carbon-fiber composites.

Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson notably raised the possibility of exploring air connectivity between Auckland and Da Nang.

Welcoming the proposal, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Ho Quang Buu called for the two sides to conduct an early assessment of market demand to facilitate the launch of a direct flight route.

Vice Chairman Ho Quang Buu also proposed cooperation in agricultural and medical technologies to support the deep processing of Ngoc Linh ginseng. He affirmed that Da Nang was ready to provide free office space for Auckland-based start-ups seeking opportunities in the city.

In the high-tech sector, Head of DSEZA Vu Quang Hung proposed connecting Auckland businesses in aerospace technology, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced materials with investment opportunities in Da Nang.

The two sides also held extensive discussions on their experience in developing MICE tourism (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) and organizing international events. They also exchanged views on environmental impact assessment solutions for seaport development and measures to conserve the Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An World Biosphere Reserve.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Auckland representatives expressed their desire to maintain regular communication and facilitate connections between relevant agencies and businesses, helping translate cooperation proposals into practical initiatives.

By THU LE