Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has reiterated South Africa's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Vietnam, as he ended a two-day visit to that country on Thursday.

In meetings with the Vietnamese Vice-President, Nguyen Thi Doan, and Prime Minister, Nguyen Tan Dung, Motlanthe emphasised there was vast potential to expand bilateral trade and investment in many areas between the two countries.

During the talks, both countries committed to increasing the volumes of trade to reach a target of $1-billion in the next few years.

The leaders signed an agreement in the field of tourism and a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of water resources.

Motlanthe further highlighted the need to create awareness among the respective business communities regarding the business opportunities existing in both countries.

Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana, who arrived in Vietnam on Monday, was also scheduled to hold discussions with her Vietnamese counterpart Hoang Tuan Anh. The proposed areas of cooperation included major cultural events and exhibitions, protection for cultural heritage, copyright and state libraries and archives.

Vietnam is a developing market economy and the country continues to achieve rapid growth in agriculture and industrial production, construction and housing. A second meeting of the two countries will be held in South Africa in the course of next year.