The country’s exports to South Africa have changed for the positive in recent years, Tien said, adding that coffee exports were up 71% (accounting for 18% of market shares) and footwear was up 7% (making up 12.5% of market share).Meanwhile, due to a showdown in the domestic real estate market, waste steel imports from South Africa dipped sharply by 38%.

The Vietnam Government has continued to pay more attention to boosting ties with Africa, including South Africa and has announced diplomatic and trade promotion activities would be further accelerated in 2015. Furthermore, Vietnam businesses have not paid sufficient attention to potential markets in Africa, particularly South Africa, such as making fact-finding tours or joining fairs and exhibitions.