New Zealand technology's 'Kiwi Connection' in Vietnam
'Kiwi Connection' is New Zealand's newest technology centre in Vietnam, situated at Quang Trung Software City in Ho Chi Minh city.
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce opened the hub, which he says is "all about helping Kiwi tech businesses accelerate in-market presence and local engagement with customers, with a high degree of scalability".
The centre, funded by Augen Software Group, will help New Zealand tech companies invest and conduct business in Vietnam and it will also be a hub for dealing with other businesses in the ASEAN region.
The centre will also play host to other companies including Orion Health, HealTech and ShapeShifter.
The New Zealand - Vietnam trade growth partnership is showing strong signs of being in good health, with predictions that it will be a 'regional outperformer' in both growth and outsourcing work between 2016-2019.
"New Zealand has a world-class reputation when it comes to innovation and the flexible technology market. Our companies lead the world in a number of market sectors as diverse as wireless infrastructure, health IT, transport and logistics technologies, digital content, geospatial, and telecommunications," Joyce says.
The New Zealand tech industry is worth more than $6.5 billion. Vietnam is New Zealand's most lucrative trade markets in Southeast Asia as merchandise exports have doubled since 2007.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for New Zealand technology companies and I look forward to more of them utilising the Kiwi Connection hub and meeting with businesses from around the region who want to work with New Zealand companies and use technology services from within ASEAN," Joyce concludes.
New Zealand and Vietnam are currently running events to strengthen bonds between the two countries. Steven Joyce travelled on the first direct Auckland to Hi Chi Minh City flight by Air New Zealand.
