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John Key has labelled the trade relationship with Vietnam as crucial for the future as New Zealand exports there start to take off.
The Prime Minister touched down in Ho Chi Minh City earlier today for a whirlwind trip of the country to discuss trade and to promote Kiwi enterprise.
Business with Vietnam, one of Asia's fastest growing economies, is already worth $500 million and is set to grow after a free trade deal signed at the beginning of the year.
"It's a small and growing market for us, but it's where it is going into the future with a very young population - I think half of them are under 25," Key said.
Vietnam boasts a population nearly 20 times the size of New Zealand's, but is also marred by poverty and a poor human rights record.
However Key said this will not put a stop to the budding economic relationship.
"New Zealand doesn't support Vietnam's human rights record, nor do we sanction and condone everything that takes place in China. What we do do, is use our diplomatic ties to try and raise those issues to seek progress and change."
New Zealand's most notable existing exports to Vietnam are milk, cream and timber, but business is increasing in construction, education and software development as well.
The visit marks the second time Key has gone to Vietnam this year.
He now flies to Hanoi hoping to meet with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, who he will invite to visit New Zealand during next year's Pacific Island forum, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
