A workshop aimed to promote bilateral trade held on March 18, 2010 has opened up new business opportunities for Vietnam and South Africa.

Jointly held by State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) and the South Africa Consulate Office in Ho Chi Minh City, the workshop sought to expand trade cooperation in many sectors between the two countries.

These areas include agriculture, mining, production technology and services, said Adriaann Du Pisanie, first cecretary at the South African Embassy to Vietnam.

South Africa offers potential growth for Vietnamese products such as rice, coffee, tea, pepper and tropical fruit. In exchange, South Africa is able to provide cattle and poultry-related products, corn, fruit and mineral ores besides offering cooperation in mineral exploration and exploitation, according to the secretary.

Possible investment options for Vietnamese companies, as stated by Le Dinh Buu Tri, SCIC director in Ho Chi Minh City, range from agricultural product processing, tourism, apparel, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals to information technology.

The South Africa Consulate Office in Ho Chi Minh City assured participants at the workshop they would provide further information and documentation on legal procedures, the economic environment of both countries and areas of potential investment.