VIET NAM

Karlene is New Zealand’s Consul-General and Trade Commissioner to Viet Nam, based in Ho Chi Minh City. She is responsible for facilitating and promoting trade and investment and maintaining an extensive network of business relationships relevant to New Zealand businesses. 

 

Karlene took up her post in Ho Chi Minh City in December 2016. Her experience in international roles at NZTE dates back to 2003, including service as Regional Director for South America, based in São Paulo, and as Trade Commissioner for Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos, based in Bangkok.

 

She also previously served as International Market Manager for South and South-East Asia, where she was instrumental in developing strategies for expanding NZTE's services in the East Asia region. Most recently Karlene was NZTE’s Director of International Operations, leading the development of systems and processes to help NZTE’s international teams support New Zealand companies overseas. 

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Karlene has held senior management roles in the public and private sectors across strategy, business unit establishment, project management, change management and private sector risk management. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Victoria University in Wellington.