By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s concluded his successful two-day state visit to Vietnam, which opened opportunities for both sides to review bilateral cooperation, to boost economic, trade, and investment ties.
This is the first visit to Vietnam by a South African head of state in nearly 20 years, marking a historic milestone that is expected to further advance the Vietnam–South Africa relationship in a deeper and more substantive manner.
During the visit, Ramaphosa laid wreaths in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs in Hanoi.
Vietnam and South Africa officially established diplomatic relations on December 22, 1993, though their cooperation dates back to the 1960s. Over the past three decades, ties have grown steadily across all channels.
South Africa was the first African country to forge a “Partnership for Cooperation and Development” with Vietnam, equivalent to a comprehensive partnership.
The two countries have maintained strong political and diplomatic coordination through regular high-level exchanges and cooperation across various sectors, helping to deepen mutual understanding and friendship. They also continue to support each other at international organizations and multilateral forums.
In terms of economic cooperation, South Africa remains Vietnam’s top trade and export partner in Africa, with bilateral trade turnover increasing from USD 192 million in 2007 to USD 1.72 billion in 2024. Both sides see considerable potential for expanding collaboration in new and green energy, climate finance, digital trade, banking, science and technology, innovation, and tourism.
President Luong Cuong hosted the state-level welcome ceremony, a private meeting, official talks, and a joint press briefing with his South African counterpart.
Cuong said, the two sides noted significant achievements, with political trust strengthened and relations expanded.
He added that they agreed to expand collaboration in areas such as green transition, digital transformation, creative economy, renewable energy, and climate change response.
Ramaphosa emphasised that Vietnam is a close friend and important partner of South Africa in Asia.
He stated that this visit affirms the determination of the government to consolidate and advance the partnership with Vietnam, in line with South Africa’s strategy to expand its markets amid profound transformations taking place domestically and globally.
Ramaphosa noted that in recent years, trade between South Africa and Vietnam expanded significantly.
South Africa ran a sizable trade deficit with Vietnam, importing significantly more than it exported, he pointed out.
He said South Africa had much to offer Vietnam, in terms of mining, agriculture and manufacturing while Vietnam, in turn, brought strengths in electronics, textiles, machinery and renewable-energy technologies.