In his opening speech at the June 22 event, Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Le Huy Hoang highlighted Vietnam’s commitments to assisting the bilateral partnerships, thus pushing two-way trade revenue up to US$3 billion in the next five years from the current US$1.2 billion.  Pat Corbin, Director of the South Africa International Chamber of Commerce, lauded reform achievements in Vietnam, adding his wish to help connect enterprises from Hanoi and Johannesburg. 

Yandeya Mashau, a representative from the South Africa Trade and Industry Ministry, said the two countries’ affiliations has progressed well, with the third meeting of their joint trade committee earlier this June having submitted specific measures to stimulate import-export, mining and investment. 

She said she welcomes Vietnamese investors to enter her home market. 

The forum focused on policy questions and answers as well as partnership discussion. 

Hanoi’s companies introduced their products, receiving significant interest and good evaluation from their South African peers.