President Cyril Ramaphosa has endorsed a proposal to elevate South Africa’s relationship with Vietnam to a strategic partnership, calling for deeper trade and investment ties as a response to shifting global trade dynamics and a means to advancing South-South cooperation.
Speaking during official talks with Vietnamese President Lương Cường at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on Thursday, Ramaphosa said the proposed upgrade from a Comprehensive Partnership would “unlock new opportunities for structured collaboration, enhance institutional engagement and position the partnership to respond more effectively to global and regional challenges.”
“This is also a reflection of the growing importance of Southeast Asia to South Africa and the African Continent and the importance of Africa for Vietnam’s growing global role.”
The two leaders led high-level delegations in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across sectors including trade, agriculture, defence, justice and mineral resources.
Ramaphosa noted that the evolving global trade environment – marked by rising protectionism and tariff disputes – necessitated stronger economic ties among developing nations.
“Enhancing bilateral trade ties and expanding market access between South Africa and Vietnam is both a strategic imperative and a practical response to shifting global dynamics,” he said.
“Our partnership can help build more resilient and diversified economies and unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth.”
South Africa and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1994, with cooperation deepening over the past three decades through trade, political dialogue and development partnerships.
Vietnam is one of South Africa’s key partners in Southeast Asia, with bilateral trade exceeding $1 billion in recent years.
Ramaphosa highlighted Vietnam’s growing global influence and its importance to Africa’s development agenda.
He also welcomed Vietnam’s acceptance of an invitation to the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, which South Africa is hosting as the current G20 Chair.
The president encouraged Vietnamese businesses to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area, noting that South Africa’s strategic location and infrastructure make it an ideal entry point for trade and investment across the continent.
JN/APA