(VOVworld)- Ho Chi Minh City residents are exploring New Zealand’s culture and education opportunities at a festival opened in the city on Thursday.  New Zealand’s Consul General in the city Tony Martin said the event demonstrates the close-knit relations between the two countries. He noted that Vietnam is one of the biggest importers of New Zealand, importing mainly food and beverages.

Artists from New Zealand perform at the event (Photo: VNA)

The festival will last until June 4 on Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, with thousands expected to participate. The festival also celebrates the first Air New Zealand direct flight between Auckland and Vietnam.  Vietnam ranks second in Southeast Asia in the number of overseas students in New Zealand, with more than 2,000 students.