Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the importance of diversifying South Africa’s trade relations as economic turbulence continues on a global scale. This statement follows the President’s recent visit to Southeast Asia, where he engaged with leaders from Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia to deepen trade and diplomatic relations.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa highlighted the significance of expanding trade beyond traditional partners, focusing on the countries of the Global South. He underscored South Africa’s existing agricultural exports to the three nations and discussed plans to broaden the range and quantity of these exports, addressing regulatory barriers to facilitate market access. The President also identified opportunities in the mining sector, aiming to shift from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods, particularly in collaboration with Southeast Asian countries that lead in advanced manufacturing sectors.
Moreover, the visit fostered investment interest, with several companies expressing plans to establish manufacturing plants in South Africa. These developments are set to leverage South Africa’s infrastructure and the African Continental Free Trade Area, promising growth for both domestic and regional markets.
In addition to economic discussions, the President noted shared values with Southeast Asian nations, particularly in multilateralism and international law. The visit coincided with the 47th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), emphasizing common goals in peace, climate action, and sustainable development.
President Ramaphosa also acknowledged historical ties, notably the support from these nations against apartheid and the deep-rooted connections with the Cape Malay community in South Africa. The President concluded that, despite geographical distances, the nations are united in their shared vision for a future of development and inclusive growth.