A New Zealand-Vietnam friendship bridge made from glulam will soon be up in Ho Chi Minh City to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2015.
“It’s fitting that New Zealand Radiata Pine has been chosen to represent the links between our two nations,” said New Zealand’s Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce. “It’s sustainable, economic and strong.”
Glulam is a type of engineered wood lauded for its lightness, strength, durability and versatility.
The friendship bridge will be at Dien Bien Phu Street – a major arterial route in the city of 10 million people.
Vietnam is New Zealand’s fastest growing export market in Southeast Asia, with merchandise exports doubling since 2007.
The bridge has received approval from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transportation with support from the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.
