As Vietnam commemorates 30 years of membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), New Zealand’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Caroline Beresford, has lauded the nation’s transformative role in shaping regional unity and global economic integration.
Ambassador Beresford, in a recent interview with Vietnam News Agency, highlighted Vietnam’s emergence as a pivotal force within ASEAN since joining in 1995. She praised the country’s proactive leadership, particularly its creation of the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF), which has rapidly become a premier platform for strategic dialogue among leaders, scholars, and civil society.
Driving Regional Vision
Vietnam’s contributions align closely with ASEAN’s Community Vision 2045: Our Shared Future, which envisions a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Beresford emphasized New Zealand’s strong support for this vision and Vietnam’s role in advancing it through inclusive dialogue and cooperation.
Vietnam’s leadership has been instrumental in deepening ASEAN-New Zealand relations. As ASEAN Chair in 2010 and again in 2020, Vietnam hosted landmark summits that paved the way for upgrading the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and laid the groundwork for the upcoming Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and New Zealand.
Economic Powerhouse and Future Leader
Vietnam’s economic trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Since 1995, its GDP has surged twentyfold, placing it among the world’s top 40 economies. With 17 free trade agreements and a reputation as a manufacturing hub, Vietnam is now a key driver of regional and global economic integration.
Looking ahead, Vietnam is set to assume major leadership roles, including Chair of the CPTPP Commission in 2026 and host of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2027. Ambassador Beresford expressed confidence in Vietnam’s ability to lead ASEAN toward digital transformation, green growth, and enhanced connectivity.
New Zealand’s commitment to the region is further reflected in the upcoming ASEAN-New Zealand Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI) Summit in Danang and Hue, which will convene 120 young entrepreneurs to foster innovation and collaboration.
A Shared Journey Forward
“Vietnam’s dynamism, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership continue to inspire,” said Ambassador Beresford. “New Zealand remains steadfast in its partnership with Vietnam and ASEAN, united in the pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous, and interconnected Indo-Pacific”.
