At the working session in Hanoi, Dien noted despite the COVID-19 pandemic, trade between the two countries remains stable, at over 1.39 billion USD. South Africa is currently the largest trade partner and export market of Vietnam in Africa. The two sides hold much potential and room for increasing bilateral trade in the time ahead, he went on.

Highly valuing South Africa’s coal mining and export capacity, the minister proposed the ambassador help connect potential South African partners in the coal and mineral sector with major enterprises of Vietnam such as the Vietnam National Coal - Mineral Industries Group and the Vietnam Electricity Group so that coal can be delivered to the Southeast Asian country right in April and May.

Coal mined in South Africa has high quality and suits the technologies used at power plants and manufacturing industries of Vietnam, according to him.

He expressed his hope that the two sides will consider and soon ink a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the mineral sector, adding that this memorandum will create a framework for boosting not only the partnership in this industry but also bilateral trade.

The host also pointed out some cooperation focuses for 2022, including holding the 5th meeting of the joint trade committee, increasing the presence of Vietnamese goods at South African supermarkets, and stepping up cooperation in mining, metallurgy, textile - garment, and fertiliser production.

For his part, Ambassador Lekgoro affirmed that his country always attaches importance to and wishes to further intensify trade, energy, and mineral relations with Vietnam.

He said he will work closely with the Vietnamese ministry and relevant agencies of South Africa to handle the issues Dien mentioned.

The diplomat also asked Vietnam to create favourable conditions for his country’s strong products to access the local market.