Mbeki's visit from May 24 to 25 will be the first by a South African President since the country achieved democracy in 1994, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Aziz Pahad told reporters Friday.
"It will be an important visit and will allow President Mbeki an opportunity to get a sense of the situation in Vietnam since 1994," he said, alluding to Vietnam’s turbulent past.
However Vietnam is now on track with faster economic growth, taking steps towards political reform and dealing effectively with corruption and fraud.
Until recently one of the world's poorest countries, Vietnam has become the second largest rice exporter in the world, posting annual Gross Domestic Product growth rates second only to China, whilst freeing millions of its people from poverty, the Oneworld UK website says.
Now Vietnam is considered one of the most attractive countries in Asia for both foreign investment and donor support; and has recently gained membership of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the website says.
Mbeki will be accompanied by a delegation that will include Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
Ahead of the Vietnam visit, Dlamini Zuma will pay an official visit to China where she is scheduled to hold political and economic talks with her Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi on Sunday.
This as part of South Africa's drive to consolidate political, economic and trade relations with China.
Pahad told reporters that the visit would be an opportunity for the two countries to look into and strengthen their existing trade links.
This is of particular importance as South Africa is China's most important trading partner in Africa, he said.
"We are of the view that China can invest more in our economy and ensure beneficiation [of South Africans] in our raw materials [that China acquires]," explained Pahad.
"The meeting will also allow the minister the opportunity to discuss widespread concern about China's activities in Africa].”
The meeting will also discuss ways to vigorously implement resolutions of last year’s Africa-China Forum and the Africa-Asia strategic partnerships. – BuaNews
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
