The South Australian Government has announced it will establish a trade and investment manager in Vietnam for the first time, in a bid to build trade, investment and industry partnerships.
Announced last night at a trade event in Vietnam by the Minister for State Development, Chris Picton, the new manager position will be appointed later this year in the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City.
A South Australian officer in Vietnam will provide opportunities to partner with the region across sectors including food and beverage, renewable energy, education and tourism, the Minister said.
“By appointing a new trade and investment manager in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, we’re tapping directly into this growth and giving South Australian businesses a direct line to the opportunities in Vietnam,” he said.
“In an increasingly uncertain world, we’re stepping up our partnership with Southeast Asia to strengthen energy security and supply chain resilience.”
Vietnam has been the fastest growing country in Southeast Asia, reaching 8% growth in 2025 and is on track to be one of the world’s top 20 economies by 2050.
With the third largest population in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has a rapidly growing middle class which is expected to reach 36 million people by 2030.
The new trade and investment manager in Vietnam bolsters the State Government’s presence in Southeast Asia and is in addition to existing officials in Singapore and Malaysia. Costs will be met from existing DSD resources.
The manager will collaborate with Special Envoy to Singapore and Southeast Asia Martin Haese and work in partnership with South Australian businesses and industry to meet increased demand for premium food, wine and consumer products, as well as education and tourism services.
“South Australia is already home to a large and vibrant Vietnamese community that makes an enormous contribution to our state, including through many successful local businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Special Envoy to Singapore & Southeast Asia, Martin Haese.
“Strengthening our presence and relationships in Vietnam is a logical and strategic next step as we continue to expand South Australia’s international engagement and create new economic opportunities.
“There are deep cultural and community connections between South Australia and Vietnam, and this will help build even stronger partnerships across trade and investment as well as education and tourism.”
South Australia’s merchandise exports to Vietnam are valued at $554 million, with copper representing almost half of that value at $262 million. Food, wine and agriculture currently represent $72 million.
During this part of the Minister’s trade delegation to South East Asia he has engagements with the Ho Chi Minh City Government, airline Vietjet and important businesses in the international education, food and beverage, and renewable energy sectors, all focused on increasing the trade and investment opportunities for South Australia.
