Remarks by Deputy President David Mabuza on conclusion of official bilateral talks with Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue of Vietnam

Thank you very much, members of the media for your presence here today.

We have just concluded official bilateral talks with a high level delegation led by His Excellency, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vuong Dinh Hue. 

Once again, on behalf of the people of our country, we wish to thank the leadership of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam led by His Excellency, the  Deputy Prime Minister, together with the delegation, for the positive spirit in which we have been able to deliberate on issues that will further strengthen   our bilateral political and economic relations.

This important platform has presented an opportunity to review progress in strengthening our bilateral relations and further enhancing our economic prosperity for our two countries. 

With both had the opportunity to evaluate and examine progress achieved in the implementation of the decisions taken at the 4th Inter-Governmental Partnership Forum for Economic, Trade, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation between South Africa and Vietnam. 

We regards to matters related to trade and industry, environment and agriculture, we both agreed to explore new areas of cooperation in energy, oil and gas, renewable energy, clothing, textile, automotive, mechanical engineering, to mention a few. 

Noting the steady progress achieved in these areas, we both further agreed to reinforce our strong economic ties between our two countries.   

In this regard, South Africa will ensure that there is an increased market access for agricultural and agro-processed products to Vietnam, at the same time, we will work together to eliminate technical barriers for trade expansion.  

Fellow South Africans, Vietnam is our country’s 5th largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and it remains our strategic partner and one of the most dynamic economies in the East Asia region. 

We are looking forward to cooperating with Vietnam, in the field of aquaculture and fisheries, tourism and mineral extractive industries which have the potential of unlocking further trade between the two countries. 

Lastly, we further reflected on strengthening our multilateral cooperation between the two countries, since we will both occupy the non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council.

We also reflected on the role South Africa will play in strengthening relations with the rest of the continent since we will be assuming the rotating Chairpersonship of the African Union. 

In this regard, we wish to thank you, Your Excellency, for your commitment and strategic direction during our bilateral talks.  

We wish you and your delegation, a safe journey as you will be traveling back home. 

Thank you very much.