Hai Phong (VNA) – South Africa wishes to learn from Hai Phong’s experience in developing the maritime economy and building ships, South African Vice President Cyril Ramaphosa said during his tour of the northern port city.
At a meeting with the municipal leaders on October 4, the Vice President said he hopes that more South African students will come to study at Hai Phong-based Vietnam Maritime University, noting his country’s coastline of around 3,000 km.
Vietnam and South Africa have cooperated in various fields, he said, citing the annual two-way trade of 8 billion ZAR (roughly 586 million USD).
South Africa hopes to expand the collaboration and import Vietnamese farm produce, he noted.
Vice Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Thi Nghia said the Vice President’s visit is a vivid demonstration of the friendship and cooperation between the two countries in the spirit of the partnership for cooperation and development.
She expressed her hope that Hai Phong and South African localities and partners will step up their economic, cultural and trade links, especially in the fields of shipbuilding and fisheries.
Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Van Tung said Hai Phong has optimal conditions to become a centre of economy, industry, trade and services of the region and a trading port of regional standards.
Upwards of 400 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects valued at 12.8 billion USD from 36 countries and territories worldwide are underway in the city, he said, stressing that Hai Phong is pitching for domestic and foreign investors, including those from South Africa.
Hai Phong will create the best possible conditions for businesses and partners, he promised.
Later on the day, Vice President Cyril Ramaphosa made a field trip to the Pha Rung Shipyard Company in Thuy Nguyen district.-VNA
