Vietnam - New Zealand agree on many cooperation orientations in CPTPP

On November 20, in Melbourne (Australia), within the framework of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Ministerial Council meeting, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien had a bilateral meeting with New Zealand Minister of Trade and Investment Todd McClay.

The two Ministers spent time discussing issues of mutual concern. Photo: moit.gov.vn

At the meeting, the two Ministers spent time discussing issues of mutual concern such as the US's reciprocal tax policy and the expansion of CPTPP membership and negotiations to upgrade some contents in the CPTPP.

Minister Todd McClay shared some information and New Zealand's approach to the US's reciprocal tax policy. In addition, expanding membership, Minister Todd McClay said that starting negotiations with a number of economies is necessary and important for the CPTPP Agreement in the current context.

At the same time, Minister Todd McClay also proposed a solution to help deal with the problem of limited resources in case CPTPP members agree to start negotiations with many economies. Regarding the negotiation of upgrading the CPTPP Agreement, it is necessary to build a comprehensive agenda, covering the contents that members are interested in.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged and appreciated the information and opinions provided by Minister Todd McClay and emphasized that although membership expansion is important, CPTPP members should first pay attention to implementation to optimize existing opportunities. At the same time, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien suggested studying and developing a transparent, objective, predictable membership admission process that is consistent with the provisions and consensus principles of CPTPP.

In addition, CPTPP members need to agree on a coordination mechanism and reasonable resource allocation to be able to handle the accession negotiations of many economies. Regarding the negotiation to upgrade the CPTPP Agreement, the Minister affirmed that the negotiation must be based on the principle of balance, taking into account the views and interests of all members.

At the end of the meeting, the two Ministers agreed to assign technical levels to continue exchanging and coordinating with CPTPP members to promote discussions on issues of mutual concern, especially in 2026 when Vietnam is the CPTPP Chair.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/viet-nam-new-zealand-thong-nhat-nhieu-dinh-huong-hop-tac-trong-cptpp-20251120171955363.htm