He visited a primary classroom where he was probed by the students on such issues as what scares you the most (he settled with natural disasters after deciding against trying to explain Labour Party politics to them); what games did he play with his children (they got a rundown of Max's sporting prowess); and did he like Vietnam (there's only one polite answer).
Prime Ministerial visits can open doors. If, for example, any institution represented on the delegation, such as Waikato University, Massey, Victoria, or AUT, wanted to talk with Vinschool about tertiary education, it would be easier now than last week.
Pham Nhat Vuong made his wealth in the Ukraine, before returning to Vietnam to expand. Forbes estimates he is worth US$1.78 billion ($2.72 billion). His empire runs hospitals, trains doctors, sells property, owns hotels, runs malls, and VinMart owns 126 supermarkets.
Just around the corner from the school Key was taken on a tour of one of the VinMarts. He inspected the obligatory New Zealand wine, kiwifruit and long-life milk. Less obligatory was the skinned crocodile, sitting in the fish section, and the live toads and turtles.
It is difficult to think of any company with the equivalent breadth of interests as Pham Nhat Vuong's Vin Group, except perhaps a government.
Little wonder Vietnam's billionaire holds a fascination for Key.Audrey Young
