South Africa has taken a significant step in deepening its foothold in one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets, with a new agricultural cooperation agreement between Pretoria and Hanoi set to open doors for local farmers.
The memorandum of understanding between the two nations was signed by deputy minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development Rosemary Nokuzola Capa and Vietnam’s deputy minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep. It cements cooperation across crop production, plant protection, animal husbandry, veterinary services, research, technology transfer and agricultural trade.
The agreement comes just three weeks after agriculture minister John Steenhuisen visited Vietnam as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent state visit. It also responds directly to the president’s call for ministers to accelerate efforts to expand South Africa’s access to global markets.
‘A partnership built on trust’
Steenhuisen welcomed the finalisation of the MoU, calling it a “partnership built on trust and a shared ambition to strengthen sustainable agricultural systems.”
“This agreement strengthens our strategic presence in Asia and supports our mission to broaden market access for South African producers,” the minister said.
He stressed that the agreement builds on the real progress already seen in agricultural trade between the two countries.
South African oranges officially entered the Vietnamese market in May 2024 after a bilateral protocol was signed. Exports surged rapidly: from 53 311 fifteen-kilogram cartons in the 2024 season to 209 569 cartons in 2025. This is a fourfold increase.
“Our high-quality oranges have found a loyal and growing audience in Vietnam,” said Steenhuisen. “This growth is a powerful vote of confidence in our exports and reinforces South Africa’s position as the world’s second-largest citrus exporter.”
Following this boom, South Africa is now pushing for Vietnam to grant access to additional citrus products, particularly mandarins, tapping into a market that imports more than US$30 billion in agricultural goods annually. South Africa currently exports around US$54 million in edible fruits and nuts to Vietnam, underscoring vast room for expansion.
Boost for rural communities
The government believes the strengthened cooperation framework will accelerate market penetration and unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in new export revenue. The potential ripple effects are substantial: more jobs, stronger incomes and more resilient rural economies.
South Africa already exports maize, apples, pears and grapes to Vietnam. Negotiations are also underway to secure access for niche, high-value products such as game meat. This is a move expected to further diversify South Africa’s export basket.
Beyond Vietnam itself, the agreement supports South Africa’s broader strategy of deepening ties across the Southeast Asian region. With Vietnam viewed as a stable, strategically positioned economy, the country offers a valuable gateway for South African producers aiming to expand into Asia’s dynamic markets.
For now, the new MoU signals expanding opportunities for the country’s farmers, especially citrus growers. It also strengthens South Africa’s diplomatic and commercial standing in a region hungry for high-quality agricultural products.
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