Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Le Huy Hoang noted that two-way trade between Vietnam and South Africa has currently reached US$1.2 billion, but that potential for bilateral co-operation still remains significant and has yet to be fully tapped, partly due to difficulties in transportation expenses.
He called on maritime transport and logistics enterprises of both countries to strengthen co-operation aiming to favour the two sides’ import & export businesses in their goods shipment and delivery; accelerate relations in human resource training and boost joint venture investments in maritime transport, thereby contributing to facilitating the two countries’ goods import & export activities and promoting bilateral relations in a more practical fashion.
At the forum, General Director of the Saigon Newport Corporation (SNC) Nguyen Dang Nghiem and other SNC members gave presentations introducing the company’s strategy for development and international co-operation as well as its determination to accelerate co-operation with global partners, including South Africa, not only in the field of maritime transport and international delivery, but also in the areas of imports & exports, infrastructure construction and property.
Meanwhile, Dinh Xuan Thao, Head of the National Assembly’s Legislative Research Institute, also updated South African delegates on the constant efforts of the Vietnamese NA, government and relevant agencies in issuing legal documents and policies aiming to boost the country’s socio-economic development and international integration.
Representatives from South African agencies and companies showed their interest in exploring information in the Vietnamese market, regarding both the investment environment and legal issues, recommending measures to boost bilateral ties in the fields of sea ports and training human resources for the maritime transport industry.
The Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa also took the occasion to advertise a number of Vietnam’s export agricultural and seafood products, including Trung Nguyen coffee, tra fish and fragrant rice for export. In additions, Vietnamese dishes, cooked by chefs of the Saigon Restaurant in Johannesburg, also contributed to enhancing native enterprises’ understanding of Vietnamese cuisine and culture.
General Director of the Saigon Newport Corporation (SNC) Nguyen Dang Nghiem speaking at the forum.
South African enterprises show interests in the potential for maritime transport co-operation with Vietnam.
Advertising Vietnamese food to South African friends at the forum.
