President Thabo Mbeki to Participate in South Africa - Vietnam Business Forum

Ho Chi Minh City - South African President Thabo Mbeki will today, Friday 25 May 2007, participate in the first South Africa-Vietnam Business Forum in Ho Chi Minh City on the second day of his State Visit to Vietnam scheduled from Thursday to Friday 24-25 May 2007.

President Mbeki will be supported by Ministers Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Buyelwa Sonjica and Naledi Pandor and Deputy Ministers Mluleki George and Rob Davies.

President Mbeki and his delegation will participate in this Forum with a view to consolidating economic and trade relations between Vietnam and South Africa.

Fourteen South African and one hundred and fifty Vietnamese companies, within the industries of information technology, minerals and energy, financial services, and travel and tourism will participate in this Forum.

President Mbeki will also today hold discussions with the Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Le Hoang Quan at the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City.

President Mbeki will, before departing from Ho Chi Minh City, also visit the War Remnants Museum.

Earlier in the day, President Mbeki interacted with academics and students from the Institute of International Relations during a lecture in Hanoi.

President Mbeki is expected to return to South Africa on Saturday 26 May 2007.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

25 May 2007