Category: South Africa Government

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President Ramaphosa arrives in Malaysia for Working Visit

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, October 24, 2025

By Neo Bodumela

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a Working Visit to the nation.

The President is expected to be a Guest of the Chair at the 47th ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] Summit and the East Asian Summit in that country.

“The President’s participation in the ASEAN Summits follows South Africa’s recognition as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 2023, marking a significant milestone in advancing South-South cooperation and fostering inclusive, sustainable development throughout enhanced political, economic and multilateral collaboration,” a Presidency statement read.

Full diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in November 1998.

“South Africa and Malaysia enjoyed exceptionally warm and dynamic relations in the decade following 1994, marked by close collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement, South-South Cooperation and Dialogue Partnerships.

“The relations with Malaysia and, by extension, Southeast Asia and ASEAN are of strategic importance to South Africa’s Foreign Policy. They offer a gateway to dynamic regional markets, emerging technologies and help reinforce South Africa’s position as a proactive and globally engaged partner in the Global South,” the statement concluded. 

President Ramaphosa is on a three-nation visit to the Southeast Asia region, which kicked off in Indonesia, followed by a State Visit to Vietnam. The President is now on a Working Visit to Malaysia. – SAnews.gov.za

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Police launch festive season safety blitz in Cape Winelands

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, October 24, 2025

Law enforcement in the Western Cape has stepped up its fight against crime with the launch of the Safer Festive Season Operations in Stellenbosch.

The campaign is aimed at ensuring a secure holiday period for residents and visitors across the Cape Winelands.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile unveiled the campaign on Thursday as part of the broader Operation Shanela II — a policing drive targeting high-impact crime through intensified patrols, roadblocks, and search operations.

The festive season crackdown will focus on key tourism and high-traffic towns, including Paarl, Worcester and Ceres, where police expect heightened festive activity.

Patekile said the operation signals a call to action for communities to work with law enforcement to curb criminal activity.

“We are entering a critical period, where proactive policing and community cooperation are essential. Our members will be visible and vigilant to ensure that those who threaten public safety face decisive action.”

Reaffirming a zero-tolerance approach, Patekile warned that police will deal firmly with offenders, particularly those involved in violent crime, gender-based violence, and drug-related offences.

“The safety of our people remains our top priority. Through strong partnerships and vigilance, we can make this festive season safe for everyone in the Winelands.”

Senior police officials, local government representatives, and community safety partners attended the launch, marking the official start of the province’s festive safety campaign. – SAnews.gov.za

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Motsoaledi launches innovative TB campaign to combat silent epidemic

Source: Government of South Africa

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has officially launched a groundbreaking national tuberculosis (TB) campaign, emphasising the disease’s silent yet deadly impact.

The Minister presented the near-live, TB public-facing dashboard at the Health Laboratory Service Head Office in Johannesburg, describing it as a symbol of the department’s strong commitment to using digital innovation to enhance health equity.

“It is an investment in the power of data to save lives. Our political will to end TB is very strong and unwavering,” he said on Friday. 

The TB dashboard is part of collaborative efforts between the Department of Health, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). Its aim is to reduce TB incidence and mortality in South Africa by 2035.

The country has a high burden of TB, but remains on track to meet the End TB goals. The dashboard will play a significant role in tracking the country’s progress towards the End TB campaign’s ambitious goal of testing five million people.

The Minister also touched on the impact of historical gold mining on TB rates, with gold mines producing significant silica dust. “Today, we are paying the price for that gold because of the amount of TB that was produced in the gold mines.”

The Minister said the newly launched dashboard represents a critical tool in TB detection and tracking. 

Motsoaledi explained that the comprehensive dashboard offers a detailed view of testing trends over time, allowing users to monitor progress and identify gaps. 

“It provides granular performance tracking across different administrative levels, including province and district. Crucially, the data is aggregated by age and sex to highlight who is being reached by testing efforts and to identify specific populations that may be underserved.”

The dashboard provides near real-time data on the department’s testing efforts across all nine provinces and districts, empowering stakeholders to monitor progress transparently.

The End TB campaign has also revealed stark gender disparities in health-seeking behaviour, citing previous HIV testing campaigns that showed that 65% of those who tested were women, and that men constituted only 30% of those tested. 

Motsoaledi said a key focus is developing a vaccine. He expressed hope that in three years, vaccine trials would be completed. – SAnews.gov.za

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SANDF speaks out on military truck misuse claims

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, October 24, 2025

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has rejected claims that a military truck, which travelled from the Western Cape to Gauteng, was specifically deployed to remove tree stumps, obstructing the street outside one of its residences.

Reports had suggested that a SANDF truck journeyed over 1 200 kilometres from Oudtshoorn to Pretoria to remove two tree stumps from the yard of Major-General Edward Mulaudzi, Deputy Head of Logistics Procurement, in Waterkloof Ridge. 

It was also reported that the driver of the truck was instructed to turn around and head to Pretoria because the tree stumps needed to be removed.

However, the SANDF has since clarified the situation regarding the truck’s usage for removing the tree stumps.

“The truck used to remove the tree stumps that were blocking the street outside a SANDF residence, after complaints by the neighbours, belongs to the Logistics Support Formation based in Lyttleton, Pretoria.

“There is no truth as reported that the vehicle in question came from Oudtshoorn specifically to deal with the removal of the tree stumps.

“We can confirm that the vehicle was in Oudtshoorn for other duties, and upon completion, the vehicle came back to its home base in Pretoria – Logistics Support Formation.

“Therefore, it was never called back for this assignment. The vehicle was already in Pretoria, attending to other duties at one of the SANDF facilities, when it was further assigned to remove the tree stumps blocking the street,” SANDF said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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South Africa, Vietnam must build value-driven trade partnership

Source: Government of South Africa

By Dikeledi Molobela

Hanoi, Vietnam – President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa and Vietnam must move beyond trading in raw materials and build a partnership rooted in value addition, industrial collaboration and shared prosperity.

Speaking at the South Africa–Vietnam Business Forum in Hanoi during his State Visit on Friday, President Ramaphosa said that while trade between the two countries has grown significantly, the balance remains tilted against South Africa.

“South Africa runs a sizable trade deficit with Vietnam. We import significantly more than we export. Between 2023 and 2024, we had a trade deficit of 30%.

“South Africa largely exports raw commodities – minerals, ores, fuels and agricultural products – while Vietnam exports manufactured goods of higher value. This imbalance calls us to move beyond the traditional trade in raw materials. We need to work toward greater value addition, diversification and industrial collaboration. This challenge is our greatest opportunity,” the President said. 

The President said both nations stand to gain from combining their respective strengths.

“South Africa has much to offer Vietnam – a rich resource base, advanced mining expertise, a robust agricultural sector and a growing manufacturing capability. Vietnam, in turn, brings extraordinary strengths in electronics, textiles, machinery and renewable energy technologies.

“Together, we can build supply chains that are not only profitable, but resilient, sustainable and future-focused,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa called for increased investments, noting that there are currently no Vietnamese investments in South Africa. 

“There are a number of financial and non-financial support measures available for Vietnamese companies that may be keen to invest in South Africa to diversify their supply chains,” he said.

Highlighting the vast investment opportunities, he said South Africa’s potential lies in “agriculture, agro-processing, mining and mineral beneficiation, manufacturing, advanced manufacturing and services”.

The President urged business leaders from both countries to seize the opportunity to shape a shared vision of cooperation.

“This Business Forum is about shaping a shared vision of cooperation between South Africa and Vietnam – a vision that reflects our mutual aspirations for prosperity, sustainability and human development,” he said.

He described South Africa and Vietnam as “innate partners”, with histories of resilience and shared values. 

“Both of our countries have demonstrated remarkable determination in overcoming adversity and in building societies that stand proud on the global stage. This shared experience reminds us that economic cooperation is not simply about transactions. It is about building bridges of solidarity, trust and long-term prosperity,” the President said. 

The President highlighted that the recent US tariff decisions have tested the resilience of many countries.

In response to these tariffs, he said the South African government has swiftly activated strategies to diversify its export markets. 

“We have re-established trade offices and assistance desks, with our Asian trading partners as a central pillar in our outreach,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said the future of the partnership lies in collaboration across strategic and emerging sectors, including electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, renewable energy, agro-processing and digital innovation.

“By combining South Africa’s natural advantages with Vietnam’s manufacturing dynamism, we can create industries that generate jobs, drive exports and strengthen both our nations’ positions in the global economy,” he said.

Underscoring the geographic advantage of both countries, the President said South Africa serves as a gateway to Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while Vietnam is a vital hub in the fast-growing ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] region.

“Together, our two countries can serve as vital bridges between Africa and Asia, connecting supply chains, enhancing trade flows and creating new pathways for investment.” 

President Ramaphosa also pointed to opportunities in education, tourism and clean energy, saying collaboration in these areas would deepen people-to-people ties and drive inclusive development.

“The future belongs to our youth. Partnerships in education, training, research and innovation can empower the next generation to drive inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said.

President Ramaphosa concluded by reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship with Vietnam.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to work hand in hand with our Vietnamese counterparts, our business leaders and our people to ensure that the potential of this partnership is fully realised. Together, let us move forward from friendship to partnership to shared prosperity,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Fake goods confiscated in W Cape raid

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, October 24, 2025

The Western Cape Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Policing Team, in conjunction with various law enforcement agencies and industry partners, has confiscated counterfeit goods to the value of R8 million.

The law enforcement agencies’ operation targeted outlets selling and distributing counterfeit goods within the province.

The multidisciplinary team – comprising members of the Western Cape Essential Infrastructure Task Team, the National Counterfeit Unit, Public Order Policing (POPS) Western Cape, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), Customs officials and Brand Protectors – conducted inspections at identified business premises in Bellville, where suspected counterfeit goods were being sold.

During the operation, a large consignment of counterfeit clothing, footwear and accessories, bearing the trademarks of well-known international brands, was seized. The total estimated value of the confiscated goods is approximately R8 million.

While no arrests were effected during the operation, investigations are continuing to trace the supply network and determine the origin of the illicit goods.

The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile, commended the collaborative effort, emphasising that the sale of counterfeit products undermines legitimate business operations, deprives the State of revenue, and often supports organised criminal networks.

“The SAPS will continue to work closely with enforcement agencies and brand representatives to remove counterfeit products from circulation and to protect the rights of consumers and legitimate traders,” said Patekile.

Members of the public are urged to report the sale of suspected counterfeit goods to their nearest police station or through the SAPS Crime Stop number — 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za

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Former Portfolio Committee member commences his 20-year prison sentence

Source: Government of South Africa

Former Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs (2007–2009), Manyaba Rubben Mohlaloga, has been ordered to report to the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, 23 October 2025, to commence serving his 20-year imprisonment sentence handed down on 14 February 2019.

This follows one of the landmark cases investigated by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit, which was registered in Brooklyn in October 2012. 

Investigations revealed that during February 2008, a grant of R6 million was irregularly paid to an entity on the verbal instruction of the then CEO of the Land Bank, without following the requisite approval procedures.

The matter was brought to the Hawks’ attention by the Land Bank, which was responsible for managing and administering the AgriBEE Fund, valued at R100 million — a fund allocated by Parliament to promote the empowerment of previously disadvantaged farmers.

Mohlaloga, in his capacity as the then Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, was among the individuals who personally benefitted from the illicitly approved grant.

He was subsequently found guilty on one count of fraud and one count of money laundering, resulting in his sentencing on 14 February 2019. The court imposed 15 years’ imprisonment on each count, with 10 years of the money laundering sentence ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective 20-year term.

Mohlaloga lodged appeals with both the Pretoria High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), which were unsuccessful. Following the SCA’s order on 8 August 2025, directing that he commence his sentence, Mohlaloga filed an urgent application for bail extension, pending an intended application for leave to appeal to the Constitutional Court.

The bail extension application was heard in the Pretoria High Court on 16 September 2025 and was successfully opposed by the State. On 13 October 2025, the court refused the application for bail, ordering that Mohlaloga surrender himself for incarceration.

The Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Patrick Mbotho, commended the investigation and prosecution teams for their outstanding diligence and commitment, ensuring that those who unlawfully enrich themselves at the expense of public funds are held accountable.

“This case is a clear demonstration that the Hawks and the justice system remain resolute in bringing those who abuse positions of trust and authority to justice,” said Mbotho. – SAnews.gov.za

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Transnet invests R967 million in new equipment

Source: Government of South Africa

The acquisition of four new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, at a cost of R967 million, to enhance operations at the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2, reinforces Transnet’s commitment to improving its service offering through investing in new equipment.

This is according to Transnet Group Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips, who explained that the new equipment will enhance the terminal’s operational efficiency, cargo-handling capacity, and competitiveness. 

The new STS cranes will replace an old fleet, which has reached its end–of–lifecycle.

The Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 is the largest and busiest container facility in Southern Africa – responsible for 60% of the country’s container volumes. Pier 2 is currently the only facility in Africa with tandem lift cranes that have a carrying capacity of 80 tons at a time.

“These cranes will enable us to turn vessels faster, to operate at higher winds and match the world-class efficiency that global trade demand. This investment is a symbol of our commitment to ensure that cargo moves through our port terminals with the required speed and reliability. 

“Faster processing of cargo at our terminals directly supports South Africa’s export-led growth strategy, boosting global trade competitiveness and economic prosperity. The investment is set up to increase the terminal’s volume throughput and significantly boost productivity and efficiency levels,” Phillips said on Thursday in Durban.

Two of the cranes are being commissioned, with endurance testing and operational handover scheduled to start in the last week of October 2025. 

The remaining two cranes are being assembled and are planned to undergo commissioning and operational handover by the end of November 2025.

The new fleet is part of Transnet Port Terminal’s (TPT’s) capital expenditure to strengthen the cargo-handling fleet across its container terminals. 

In March 2025, TPT unveiled 20 straddle carriers and nine rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs) for DCT Pier 2 and Pier 1, respectively. 

This investment is already yielding tangible results, which is affirmed by the recently concluded citrus season, where DCT Pier 2 recorded an impressive year-on-year increase of 28.8%.

TPT has set aside R4 billion on acquiring equipment across its business this financial year (2025/26).

Original equipment manufacturer, Liebherr Africa has equipped the cranes with the latest technology and minimised environmental impact demonstrated by its reduced energy consumption. 

Positioned at the terminal’s edge, the cranes boast advanced cargo-handling features, including increased lifting capacity, to efficiently load and unload containers on calling vessels. – SAnews.gov.za

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W Cape road upgrade to improve traffic flow

Source: Government of South Africa

The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DOI) has completed a project to upgrade 3.8 km of the MR 201 (R301) from a single carriageway to a dual carriageway. 

This stretch is located between the N1 at Paarl and Kliprug Road (OP5255).

The DOI Director for Operational Support, Jandré Bakker, said this section of the MR 201 is now classified as a Class E (ii) dual carriageway. 

It has a width of five meters for most of its length, tapering to 1.9 meters at intersections to accommodate a right-turning lane. 

In addition, there is a 2.8-meter surfaced shoulder along most of the route, which includes a curb and drainage channel throughout.

“A pedestrian sidewalk and a median have been built, and traffic signals and lighting have been installed. Two major culverts across non-perennial rivers have been lengthened, and an existing culvert has been replaced. A new urban drainage system has been built to direct stormwater into the nearest natural drainage channel,” said Bakker.  

He said the catchpits and inlet structures have been constructed to feed into the urban stormwater system, while enhancements have also been made to traffic capacity at intersections.

Kliprug Road was realigned to upgrade the intersection of the MR201 and Kliprug Road from a roundabout to a signalised T-junction, with an investment of R214.8 million.

Western Cape Infrastructure MEC, Tertuis Simmers, said: “There is a staggered junction at OP5256, which provides access to the Wildepaarde and Azalea Acres developments, along with the road accesses to the Zanddrift and Boschenmeer developments.”

The MEC said the plan, as envisaged in the current contract was to consolidate all these access roads to one access on MR201 for reasons of safety and mobility. 

“However, at the time of construction, the Zanddrift development had not yet commenced, and its starting date was uncertain. This meant that existing access roads to Wildepaarde and Boschenmeer could not be closed. 

“Modifications were made to the median island and the turning lane layout to maintain access. The consolidated intersection, as envisaged in the current contract, including the realignment of OP5256 that will be required, will be undertaken by Zanddrift Development when that project commences,” said Simmers. 

The MEC reports that the project generated 241 short-term job opportunities, exceeding the target of 200. 

According to Simmers, the project created a total of 39 786 person-days of work, surpassing the goal of 20 000.

In addition, R48.5 million was spent on procuring goods and services from targeted enterprises, which is significantly higher than the target of R26 million.

“A total of 14 local enterprises and six emerging contractors benefited from the project, and both those contract participation goals were met,” Simmers added.

The MEC said this project is part of a significant investment in the area, with various projects currently underway. 

“I wish to thank road users for their patience during the 33-month construction process,” Simmers added. – SAnews.gov.za 

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South Africa–Vietnam Business Forum address by President Cyril Ramaphosa during a State Visit to Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
His Excellency, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Phạm Minh Chính,
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Parks Tau,
Ambassador Vuyiswa Tulelo,
All the Ministers Present,
Business and Industry leaders,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentleman,

A very good morning to you all.

It is an honour and a privilege to address you this morning at the South Africa–Vietnam Business Forum. 

Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to our hosts and to the many dedicated officials and business leaders who have assisted in putting this business forum together.

I recall that on the side-lines of the 2025 BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Chinh expressed Vietnam’s desire to further deepen the partnership for cooperation and development between our countries.

He called for stronger cooperation in the economy, trade, investment, education and training, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. He said we should elevate our bilateral relations to new heights.

We exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, reaffirming our shared commitment to promoting multilateralism, respecting international law and strengthening South–South cooperation for peace and sustainable development.

Today, we are not only convening a meeting of business leaders. We are also here to deepen the bond between our two countries that share both a rich history and a promising future.

South Africa and Vietnam are, in many ways, innate partners. Both of our countries have faced histories marked by struggle, resilience and the pursuit of freedom and dignity. 

Both of our countries have demonstrated remarkable determination in overcoming adversity and in building societies that stand proud on the global stage.

This shared experience reminds us that economic cooperation is not simply about transactions. It is about building bridges of solidarity, trust and long-term prosperity.

The recent US tariff decisions have tested the resilience of many countries.

In response to these tariffs, the South African government has swiftly activated strategies to diversify our export markets. We have re-established trade offices and assistance desks, with our Asian trading partners as a central pillar in our outreach.

In recent years, trade between South Africa and Vietnam has expanded significantly. 

South Africa runs a sizable trade deficit with Vietnam. We import significantly more than we export. Between 2023 and 2024 we had a trade deficit of 30 percent. 

South Africa largely exports raw commodities – minerals, ores, fuels and agricultural products – while Vietnam exports manufactured goods of higher value. 

This imbalance calls us to move beyond the traditional trade in raw materials. We need to work toward greater value addition, diversification and industrial collaboration.

This challenge is our greatest opportunity.

South Africa has much to offer Vietnam – a rich resource base, advanced mining expertise, a robust agricultural sector and a growing manufacturing capability. 

Vietnam, in turn, brings extraordinary strengths in electronics, textiles, machinery and renewable energy technologies. 

Together, we can build supply chains that are not only profitable, but also resilient, sustainable and future-focused.

Investments between our two countries are low. 

There is no record of Vietnamese investments in South Africa. 

There are a number of financial and non-financial support measures available for Vietnamese companies that may be keen to invest in South Africa to diversify their supply chains.

South Africa has investment opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, mining and mineral beneficiation, manufacturing, advanced manufacturing and services, among others.

Our cooperation must extend into strategic sectors that define the economies of tomorrow. These sectors include electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, renewable energy, agro-processing and digital innovation. 

By combining South Africa’s natural advantages with Vietnam’s manufacturing dynamism, we can create industries that generate jobs, drive exports and strengthen both our nations’ positions in the global economy.

I stand here today, deeply convinced that our partnership has great untapped potential and that forums such as this are designed to unlock that potential.

South Africa and Vietnam are both strategically placed within their regions.

South Africa, as the most industrialised economy on the African continent, is a gateway to the rest of Africa. 

With the African Continental Free Trade Area now in force, companies investing in South Africa can gain preferential access to a market of over 1.4 billion people, representing a combined GDP of approximately $3.4 trillion.

Vietnam has distinguished itself as one of Asia’s most dynamic and fastest-growing economies. 

It is a hub for manufacturing, a leader in agricultural exports and a key player in global supply chains. Vietnam also provides direct access to the ASEAN market, a region that is itself a driver of global growth.

Together, our two countries can serve as vital bridges between Africa and Asia, connecting supply chains, enhancing trade flows and creating new pathways for investment.

There are key opportunities for cooperation and collaboration.

South Africa is renowned for its fruit, wine, livestock and fisheries, while Vietnam is a global leader in rice, coffee and seafood.

Together, we can build resilient food supply chains, foster technology transfer in agro-processing and expand our mutual exports into new markets.

South Africa has demonstrated strengths in mining, automotive manufacturing and infrastructure development. These can complement Vietnam’s strong base in electronics, textiles and industrial production.

Both of our nations are committed to transitioning to cleaner forms of energy. 

South Africa is advancing renewable energy and green hydrogen projects, while Vietnam is also investing in sustainable energy infrastructure. 

We should pursue collaboration on electric vehicle production, battery manufacturing and clean energy technology.

Vietnam can leverage South Africa’s mineral wealth through investment and technology partnerships.

Both our nations are blessed with unique natural landscapes, rich heritage and vibrant cultures. 

By facilitating tourism and cultural exchanges, we can continue to deepen people-to-people ties and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our societies.

The future belongs to our youth. Partnerships in education, training, research and innovation can empower the next generation to drive inclusive and sustainable growth. 

There are opportunities for collaboration between our universities and technical institutions to enhance capacity-building in critical fields such as science, technology and digital transformation.

We are committed to reducing barriers to trade, strengthening investment protection frameworks, encouraging business-to-business partnerships, supporting chambers of commerce in their initiatives, and providing platforms such as this one to ensure direct dialogue between government and business leaders.

To business leaders here today, I urge you to seize this opportunity to explore new ventures, to diversify into untapped sectors and to build enduring partnerships that will generate jobs, transfer skills and stimulate inclusive growth.

This Business Forum is about shaping a shared vision of cooperation between South Africa and Vietnam – a vision that reflects our mutual aspirations for prosperity, sustainability and human development.

Trade between our countries is not only about goods and services. It is also about trust, innovation and shared values. 

It is about ensuring that the benefits of economic cooperation reach ordinary citizens, creating opportunities for workers, entrepreneurs and communities alike.

The relationship between South Africa and Vietnam is built not only on history, but also on the hope of a future defined by closer cooperation, stronger economic ties and deeper mutual understanding.

This Business Forum should chart a new course for our partnership.

It should be a partnership that builds bridges between Africa and Asia, that leverages the strengths of our two nations, and that delivers inclusive and sustainable prosperity for our people.

We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to work hand in hand with our Vietnamese counterparts, our business leaders and our people to ensure that the potential of this partnership is fully realised.

Together, let us move forward from friendship to partnership to shared prosperity.

I thank you.