South Africa urged to advance FTA talks between Viet Nam and SACU
VGP - Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son suggested South Africa support and closely work with Viet Nam in promoting negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between Viet Nam and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), contributing to realizing the goal of raising bilateral trade turnover to US$2 billion.
Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son (R) hosts a reception for Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa Ronald Lamola in Ha Noi, October 22, 2025 - Photo: VGP
The Vietnamese official made that above suggestion during his reception for Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa Ronald Lamola in Ha Noi, on October 22.
Bui hailed South Africa's role and position in the African region, as well as its active participation in multilateral forums.
He expressed the hope that the two sides would continue to support each other at multilateral forums, as well as his belief that South Africa would successfully host the upcoming G20 Summit next month, thereby contributing to promoting global economic growth between developed and developing economies.
Viet Nam is committed to making responsible and constructive contributions to the success of the summit, affirmed the Deputy Prime Minister.
Lamola, for his part, said that the President of South Africa speaks highly of Viet Nam's role and position both regionally and internationally, and looks forward to his historic visit to Viet Nam, during which he will discuss with Viet Nam's senior leaders on concrete measures to elevate bilateral relations to a new height.
The two countries have great potential for cooperation, especially in the fields of economy, trade, investment, education, and training, noted Lamola.
He commended Viet Nam for hosting the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, affirming South Africa's readiness to cooperate with Viet Nam in this important area./.
