South African media spotlights inclusive cooperation with Vietnam
South African media spotlighted economic and trade ties as a centerpiece of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to the country for the G20 Summit and bilateral engagements from November 21-24, pointing out efforts to rebalance trade ties with Vietnam and its role within the grouping through proposals on inclusive growth, green transition and strategic minerals.
State broadcaster SABC and private network eNCA covered PM Chinh’s address at the summit, where he laid out three strategic priorities for equitable growth. Meanwhile, enca.com, Central News South Africa and government portal sanews.gov.za carried extensive coverage of his sideline activities, including meetings with President Cyril Ramaphosa and other leaders. The coverage revealed the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, and commitments to inclusive cooperation ranging from agriculture to technology transfer, along with trade barrier reduction, agricultural market access, and investment promotion
The PM expressed hope that South Africa would support Vietnam’s bid for G20 participation, underscoring shared interests in sectors such as coffee production and processing.
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| PM Pham Minh Chinh (second, left) and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa witness the signing of a MoU on agricultural cooperation (Photo: VNA) |
Central News South Africa and enca.com described the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agriculture as part of a broader shift in South Africa - Vietnam relations, opening new trade opportunities and advancing the newly upgraded strategic partnership. The MoU not only builds on recent commercial gains but also serves as a milestone in raising bilateral relations. Its signing at the G20 underlines South Africa’s utilisation of global platforms to push African interests and Vietnam’s strong backing for the continent’s voice at international forums.
Polity.org.za and sanews.gov.za highlighted the commitments announced at the South Africa–Vietnam Business Forum on the summit’s sidelines. Deputy President Paul Mashatile pledged the South African Government’s commitment to easier trade and investment conditions as the two countries work to deepen economic ties. He said both nations are at a “critical moment” as they seek to expand cooperation in key areas, including trade, industry, agriculture, sci-tech, renewable energy and digital transformation, according to VNA.
Overall, South African media portrayed the Vietnamese leader’s visit and the new agreements as a direct follow-on to President Ramaphosa’s recent state visit to Vietnam, marking a new phase in bilateral ties with wider cooperation in agriculture, renewable energy, digital transformation and sci-tech.
Mashatile noted that South Africa remains Vietnam’s largest trade partner in Africa. Vietnam, in turn, provides a gateway for South Africa to enter the nearly 700-million-strong ASEAN market, while South Africa offers Vietnam access to the 1.4 billion-consumer African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
NA Chairman pledges strong support for EU-ASEAN investors
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on November 24 received a delegation of the European–ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to fostering a transparent, stable and favorable investment environment for European enterprises.
The delegation, led by EU-ABC Chairman Jens Ruebbert, included more than 120 representatives from over 40 major European corporations.
Speaking at the meeting, Ruebbert expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with Vietnam’s top legislative leader and representatives of ministries and sectors at a time when both sides seek to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment and economic connectivity. He also extended deep sympathies to Vietnam over the severe losses caused by recent storms and floods, and expressed a hope that affected communities would soon recover.
Ruebbert highlighted the dynamic and comprehensive growth of EU-Vietnam relations in recent years. The EU remains one of Vietnam’s most important trade and investment partners, while Vietnam is the EU’s 16th largest trading partner globally and its largest in ASEAN. The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has helped bilateral trade expand by 10-15% annually.
He noted that European businesses value Vietnam’s efforts to open its market, improve economic governance, stabilize its macroeconomic environment and accelerate digital transformation. These strengths have helped position Vietnam as a leading investment destination in ASEAN, particularly in high-tech manufacturing, services and renewable energy.
He said the meeting offers an opportunity for businesses to better understand Vietnam’s strategic priorities and identify areas for deeper cooperation.
European firms at the meeting raised issues related to Vietnam’s business climate, including the resolution on mechanisms to remove obstacles for energy development in the 2026-2030 period, draft legislation on disease prevention and the management of preventive health funds, regulations on pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, and mechanisms to facilitate energy development from 2026-2030. They also encouraged greater transparency in policymaking, improved regulatory impact assessments and deeper consultation with the business community.
Chairman Man stressed that the EU and the European-ASEAN business community are key partners of Vietnam as it pursues sustainable, intensive and effective international integration.
Vietnam remains steadfast in maintaining political and socio-economic stability while building an independent and self-reliant economy closely linked with global integration. Strategic breakthroughs in institutions, infrastructure, human resources, science and technology, innovation and digital transformation continue to guide national development, according to VNA.
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| National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on November 24 receives a delegation of the European–ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham). (Photo: VNA) |
The top legislator affirmed that the NA closely follows issues affecting the business environment and consistently works to improve policies that support both domestic and foreign enterprises, including European investors. Beyond lawmaking, it also focuses on oversight and policy reform to ensure a transparent, fair and predictable investment climate.
Thanking the delegation for its constructive recommendations, he pledged that the NA will work closely with the Government to assess and incorporate their proposals, thereby ensuring a stable legal framework that facilitates long-term success for European firms in Vietnam.
He called on EU-ABC, EuroCham and their member companies to continue their partnership with Vietnam, effectively implement the EVFTA and encourage greater market opening. He also urged European businesses to raise their voice to hasten the remaining seven EU member states to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), creating new momentum for investment ties.
He further asked for support in urging the European Commission to soon remove its “yellow card” warning on Vietnam’s seafood exports.
Chairman Man encouraged deeper exchanges between European business organisations and the Vietnamese legislature on institutional reform, regulatory transparency and economic policymaking. He called for expanded cooperation in areas where the EU has strong expertise, such as green transition, digital transformation, high-quality workforce training, clean agriculture, renewable energy, smart urban development and sustainable fisheries.
The top Vietnamese legislator also requested continued support for Vietnamese firms to engage more deeply in EU supply chains through technology transfer, quality standard harmonization and connections with major European corporations.
He affirmed that the NA would continue to listen to and consider recommendations from the international business community, including European enterprises, as part of efforts to remove barriers, enhance competitiveness and build a flexible, transparent and business-friendly legal system that supports sustainable development and large-scale investment projects in Vietnam.
10-month Vietnamese exports to US hit record high, exceeding 2024's value
Vietnam’s exports to the United States reached an all-time high between January and October, exceeding US$126 billion and surpassing last year’s total turnover despite ongoing tariff pressures.
The surge was driven by billion-dollar export items such as garments and textiles, electronics, and agricultural and aquatic products.
Data from the Vietnam Customs shows that shipments to the US topped more than US$126 billion, a 28% increase year on year to reach their highest level ever, reaffirming the US as Vietnam’s largest export market and accounting for more than 30% of the country’s total export revenue. The US is expected to play a central role in the country’s trade outlook heading into 2026.
The record was fueled by strong expansion across key sectors. Processing and manufacturing continued to dominate, led by electronics, machinery and technology goods. Exports of computers, electronics and components soared nearly 78% to over US$34 billion, the steepest rise in a decade, thanks to robust US demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) servers, tech devices and semiconductor components.
Machinery and equipment rose 9.2% to US$19.6 billion, phones and components inched up to US$9.02 billion after two stagnant years, and textiles rebounded to US$14.81 billion, up 11.4%.
Toys and sporting goods saw the most dramatic jump, up more than 255% to US$5.24 billion as US brands continued shifting orders from China. Other consumer goods also posted growth with timber and wood products soaring 6% to US$7.8 billion while transport equipment and spare parts increased nearly 11%, according to VOV.
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| Electronics exports to the US see impressive growth during ten-month period (Photo: Illustrative image) |
Agricultural and aquatic exports accelerated as well. Fruit and vegetable shipments rose 58.5%, coffee more than 60% amid high global prices, and rubber products 51%. Seafood exports rebounded 7.5% after a long downturn, boosted by falling US inventories and renewed demand for premium products.
Garment and textiles were among the sectors hit hardest by US tariffs introduced in September, yet still managed to grow. Most companies in the industry reported positive third-quarter results. Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) for instance saw profits rise about 56% to more than VND359 billion after accelerating shipments ahead of the tariff deadline. Vinatex’s after-tax profit for the first nine months surged 132% to over VND943 billion.
Pham Van Viet, chairman of Viet Thang Jean Co, Ltd said, US-bound shipments remain steady, especially during year-end stockpiling. To ensure smooth customs clearance, exporters must thoroughly document raw material origins and increase localization to meet new US standards.
Experts note that Vietnam’s strong export momentum reflects deeper shifts in global supply chains. As US inflation cools, interest rates stabilize and inventories normalize, American importers are placing new orders, while efforts to reduce reliance on China continue to benefit Vietnamese industries such as electronics, machinery, toys, textiles and other light manufacturing.
Looking ahead to 2026, experts anticipate both opportunities and significant challenges. US trade-defense measures are increasing, particularly targeting wood, metals and textiles, alongside stricter environmental and traceability requirements. However, they believe that with enhanced supply-chain transparency and investment in greener production, key sectors, including electronics, machinery, footwear, cables, toys and high-value agricultural and seafood products, can sustain their growth trajectory.
Storm No. 15 set to hit mainland amid cold air front
Storm No. 15 is forecast to form over the East Sea around November 26, just as a cold air front is expected to intensify, raising concerns over unpredictable developments.
Storm No. 15 is forecast to form over the East Sea around November 26. At the same time, a cold air front is expected to intensify around November 26–27 and again on November 30. The interaction between these two systems could produce unpredictable weather patterns.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, beginning tonight (November 24), cold air will begin affecting the northeastern and north-central regions of Vietnam, and later spread to the northwest and central-central regions. Northeasterly winds are forecast at level 3–4, reaching level 4–5 along the coast.
In the northern and north-central regions, the weather will generally remain dry and cold, with severe cold possible in mountainous areas. High-altitude areas in the north are at risk of frost.
The lowest temperatures during this cold spell in northern and north-central Vietnam will range from 12–15°C, with some mountainous locations dropping below 10°C, cited VNN.
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| Storm No. 15 is expected to form in the East Sea around November 25–26. Source: VNDMS |
In Hanoi, the weather is expected to remain dry overnight, sunny during the day, and cold, with lows between 13–15°C.
Additionally, due to the combined effects of cold air and disturbances in the upper easterly wind belt, areas from Hue and Da Nang to eastern Quang Ngai will likely experience rain and scattered thunderstorms tonight and on November 25.
The Southern Hydro-Meteorological Station has also issued a forecast indicating that cold air will intensify between November 24–25, stabilize briefly, and then strengthen again around November 26–27 and November 30.
At the same time, an equatorial trough between 5–8°N is connected to a tropical depression currently located east of the central Philippines. By the night of November 25, this depression is expected to enter the East Sea and potentially strengthen into Storm No. 15.
Experts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting believe that by November 26, when the depression is still about 1,000 km from the south-central coast of Vietnam, it may intensify into a tropical storm.
The storm could reach its peak intensity as it passes north of the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago, with wind levels reaching 10 and gusts up to level 13. It is then expected to move westward toward the mainland, primarily impacting areas from Gia Lai to Lam Dong (covering the old provinces from Binh Dinh to Binh Thuan), with the main period of influence expected between November 28–30.
Initial forecasts suggest the storm’s intensity may decrease as it nears the coast, influenced by colder air and lower sea surface temperatures in the South Central waters.
By the time it makes landfall, the storm may be downgraded to levels 8–9 or even to a tropical depression. Between November 28–30, areas from Da Nang to Lam Dong are expected to experience widespread heavy rainfall, particularly along the coastal strip.
As of 7:00 PM on November 24, the tropical depression’s center was located over central Philippines. The strongest winds near the center were at level 7 (50–61 km/h), gusting up to level 9. The system is moving west-northwest at 20–25 km/h.
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