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On June 24, 2026, in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association of South Africa (CAIA). This event marks an important milestone in Vinachem’s international cooperation strategy, opening up new market development opportunities, supply chain connections, and fostering investment cooperation between Vietnamese and South African chemical enterprises.

The signing ceremony was attended by Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Hoàng Sỹ Cường; SACCI President Mtho Xulu; CAIA Executive Director Deidré Penfold; and representatives from more than 20 South African companies and investors.

Representing Vinachem were Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp – Chairman of the Members’ Council – and leaders from Vinachem’s key member companies: Apatit Vietnam Co., DAP Vinachem JSC, Ninh Binh Fertilizer One Member Limited Company, Southern Fertilizer JSC, Lam Thao Superphosphate and Chemical JSC, Viet Tri Chemical JSC, Southern Rubber Industry JSC (Casumina), LIX Detergent JSC, and others.

The signing took place as part of Vinachem’s trade promotion program in South Africa. Previously, the Group, in collaboration with the Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa, organized a Vietnam–South Africa business networking conference attended by leading South African businesses and investors in chemicals, industry, mining, and agriculture.

In his speech at the conference, Ambassador Hoàng Sỹ Cường affirmed that the Embassy would continue to support and facilitate trade and investment cooperation between businesses of the two countries, helping to increase bilateral trade turnover in the future.

Introducing Vinachem to South African partners, Mr. Phùng Quang Hiệp noted that Vinachem is currently Vietnam’s leading chemical corporation, exporting products to over 80 countries and territories worldwide. In 2026, Vinachem was ranked 148th in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list.

According to the signed MOU, Vinachem and CAIA agreed to establish a cooperation framework focusing on six priority areas: fertilizers and agricultural chemicals; basic and industrial chemicals; rubber, tires, and polymer materials; cosmetics and detergents; batteries and energy materials; and logistics, chemical safety, and sustainable development.

The two sides will enhance information exchange on policies, markets, and investment opportunities; connect member companies; organize seminars, trade promotion programs, and B2B meetings; and share experience in chemical safety management, environmental protection, ESG standards implementation, and circular economy development.

At the conference, representatives from various Vinachem member companies introduced their capabilities and discussed cooperation needs with South African partners in diverse fields, from mineral extraction and fertilizer production to industrial chemicals, rubber products, tires, and consumer goods. The diverse participation highlights the broad cooperation potential between the two sides across the chemical industry value chain.

According to CAIA Executive Director Deidré Penfold, South Africa’s chemical industry currently contributes about 5% of national GDP but remains significantly dependent on imported raw materials. This presents a favorable opportunity for Vietnamese companies, especially Vinachem, to enter the South African market with quality and competitively priced chemical, fertilizer, and industrial material products.

For Vinachem, the Group aims to boost exports of fertilizers, tires, high-purity chemicals, and batteries to the African market, while also seeking strategic raw material supplies such as phosphate ore and coal for domestic production. Vinachem is also exploring the possibility of establishing a representative office in South Africa to strengthen its commercial presence, support partner connections, and improve logistics efficiency in the region.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vinachem Chairman Phùng Quang Hiệp emphasized: “This memorandum of understanding will lay the foundation for a more substantive and effective relationship between Vinachem and the South African chemical business community. We believe this marks the beginning of a new phase of cooperation, contributing to the sustainable development of economic and trade relations between Vietnam and South Africa.”