South Africa is working on building a more resilient agricultural sector while diversifying its trade portfolio.
"We've made progress in opening up vast new markets and securing vital protocols for products like citrus and others. We are confidently expanding our reach and creating new opportunities for our agricultural producers," Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the 80th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Pretoria, Singh stated that South Africa is diversifying its trade portfolio under coordinated leadership from the Presidency. The government is pursuing new markets across Asia and the Middle East.
"These efforts are not only opening doors to new opportunities but also reinforcing our commitment to retaining the vital markets we already have. While the current global economic environment presents challenges, it also presents opportunities to build and accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and to develop new partnerships in markets that have remained untapped, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)," Singh said.
He added that it was important for Vietnam and South Africa to explore ways to increase cooperation, whether through joint ventures, knowledge exchange, or policy alignment, to ensure benefits for citizens.
"The international community faces a complex array of challenges that threaten global stability and prosperity. These include geopolitical tensions, economic inequality and trade uncertainties, social unrest, and human rights concerns.
"It is the hope of my government that we will continue to work to deepen our relationship and learn from each other's experiences, share knowledge, and explore new opportunities for cooperation. We look forward to strengthening our partnership and working together to promote peace, prosperity, and development in our countries, but also in the regions we find ourselves in," Singh said.
Source: SA News
