President Cyril Ramaphosa commenced a crucial three-nation Asian tour on Wednesday, signaling South Africa’s pivot towards deepening ties with Southeast Asian economies. 

The visit, which includes Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia, is crafted to benefit South Africa through expanded trade, investment, and strengthened multilateral cooperation.

Ramaphosa’s delegation included Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes, alongside numerous business leaders.

The tour kicked off in Jakarta, Indonesia, where Ramaphosa held bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday morning. 

The discussions, as described by Subianto, were “good discussions concerning their bilateral relations”.

A key outcome, according to Prabowo, was the agreement to accelerate the implementation of their defense cooperation pact, concluded in 2023 – Indonesia is now a member of the BRICS group.

Ramaphosa articulated South Africa’s objectives for the tour saying their main focus was the expansion of trade between the two countries.

 “We agreed on the need to increase trade between our two countries as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of building “more resilient and diversified economies for the benefit of the peoples of both countries as we face similar geopolitical headwinds”. 

This sentiment comes at a critical time, particularly after the US implemented a 30% tariff increase against South Africa on goods exported to US markets, prompting Pretoria to actively diversify its trade relations with Asian countries.

During talks with Subianto, Ramaphosa delivered opening remarks to strengthen relations with Indonesia and further strengthen cooperation in areas of trade, agriculture, tourism, and defense. 

The state visit was preceded by a SA-Indonesia Business Forum on Tuesday, where South African companies engaged with Indonesian counterparts to find pathways to boost economic growth through business-to-business partnerships. 

During his address, Ramaphosa acknowledged the “deep” historical ties between South Africa and Indonesia, spanning over 350 years. 

He also welcomed Indonesia as one of the newest members of the BRICS family.

Beyond bilateral trade, the leaders delved into global issues.

“We discussed global issues as partners in organisations such as BRICS, the G20 and the Non-Aligned Movement, amongst others,” Ramaphosa said. 

“We affirmed the need to strengthen the multilateral system and the peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue.” 

A significant point of discussion was the situation in Gaza, with both leaders exchanging views on efforts “to end the conflict in Gaza and to secure a just and lasting peace that realises the aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination”.

Ramaphosa also expressed his anticipation of hosting Subianto next month during the G20 summit in South Africa, emphasising the focus on “Sustainability, Equality and Solidarity” and creating an environment of “inclusive growth, reduced inequality and sustainable development, especially in the Global South and on the African continent”.

From Jakarta, Ramaphosa will depart on Thursday for a two-day visit to Vietnam, followed by a four-day trip to Malaysia from October 25 to 28, where he will participate as Guest of the Chair at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.

International relations expert Dr. Nkosi Ndlovu said Ramaphosa’s three-nation Asian tour was a pivotal move for South Africa’s economic diplomacy. 

The composition of his delegation, particularly the inclusion of ministers for trade, industry, and agriculture, alongside business leaders, signals a clear intent to move beyond mere political pleasantries and towards concrete economic outcomes.

“The emphasis on diversifying trade relations, especially in the wake of US tariffs, is a smart strategic play,” Ndlovu said.

“Southeast Asian economies offer burgeoning markets and significant investment opportunities. Strengthening these ties, reduces South Africa’s reliance on traditional Western markets and enhances its economic resilience. The focus on preferential trade agreements with countries like Indonesia could unlock substantial export growth for South African products.”

Regarding the inclusion of the various ministers, Ndlovu said Motshekga’s presence highlights the deepening defense cooperation, which can lead to technology transfer and capacity building while Tau was crucial for identifying new trade avenues and investment opportunities, especially in industrial sectors.

Steenhuisen’s participation is vital for expanding agricultural exports to these populous nations, a key driver for rural economic development in South Africa, Ndlovu said.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za

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