Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane lobbies Vietnamese business women to invest in Mpumalanga
17 August 2023Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane has lobbied Vietnamese business women to invest in Mpumalanga as their new investment destination of choice. The Premier was addressing a women’s seminar in Hanoi, in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as South Africa and Vietnam are celebrating the 30th founding anniversary of the diplomatic ties.
The ties between the two countries have grown with remarkable achievement that Vietnam is South Africa’s 9th trading partner within the Asian region, making Vietnam the country’s largest trading partner in Africa.
Speaking during the seminar, Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane said she would like to see an increase of trade between the two countries beyond the value of 1.3 USD as achieved in 2022. “I wish to implore women in business from your beautiful country to consider investing in Mpumalanga. The fact that your neighbouring country, the People’s Republic of China is Mpumalanga’s second export destination, means that we have an extensive and professional value chain that will serve only to benefit business women from this beautiful country,’ she explained.
Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane added that Mpumalanga and South Africa had much to learn from Vietnam strategies of growing the manufacturing sector, despite global economic challenges. “As we arrived in your country, we were able to see for ourselves your economic achievements and your strategic vision over the years. Rising like the phoenix over the ashes of war and destruction, your country has one of the fastest growing economies in this region,” she said.
The Premier emphasised the advancement of gender equality and women emancipation, in recognition of the multiple roles they play in society. “Let us ensure that women are involved as business people, either as importers or exporters in the interactions between the two countries. Many women entrepreneurs in our country are to be found in the small business or the informal economy. As we ponder the next phase of our diplomatic and trade relations, it could be possible to do more to exchange knowledge and enhance women’s participation,” she said.
“In our Province of Mpumalanga, we have adopted various programmes to accelerate the incorporation and participation of women-owned enterprises in the mainstream economy. Recently, we launched a ‘jobs massification and enhanced skills development’ programme targeting the creation of thousands of work opportunities in the public sector, many of which will benefit women,” said the Premier.
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Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Enquiries:
Provincial Government’s Spokesperson:George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za