South Australia will establish its first trade and investment post in Vietnam, with the State Government planning to appoint a representative in Ho Chi Minh City later this year as it looks to strengthen commercial ties with Southeast Asia.
The announcement was made during a trade event in Vietnam attended by South Australian Minister for State Development Chris Picton, who is leading his first overseas trade mission.
The new role will focus on building relationships across sectors including food and beverage, renewable energy, education and tourism. The position will operate alongside South Australia’s existing trade representatives in Singapore and Malaysia, with costs to be covered through current Department of State Development resources.
Vietnam has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing economies, recording economic growth of 8 per cent in 2025. The country’s expanding middle class and growing consumer demand have attracted increased attention from governments and exporters seeking opportunities in the region.
South Australia’s merchandise exports to Vietnam are currently valued at $554 million, driven largely by copper exports worth $262 million. Food, wine and agricultural exports account for $72 million.
Mr Picton said the government wanted to strengthen links with a market it sees as increasingly important to the state’s long term trade strategy.
“By appointing a new trade and investment manager in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, we’re giving South Australian businesses a direct line to opportunities in Vietnam,” he said.
He said the move also reflected a broader effort to build stronger partnerships across Southeast Asia at a time of global economic uncertainty and supply chain pressures.
The trade representative will work with South Australia’s Special Envoy to Singapore and Southeast Asia, Martin Haese, as well as local businesses and industry groups.
Mr Haese said South Australia already had strong community links with Vietnam through its Vietnamese population and business sector.
“Strengthening our presence and relationships in Vietnam is a logical next step as we continue to expand South Australia’s international engagement and create new economic opportunities,” he said.
During the visit, the South Australian delegation is also holding meetings with the Ho Chi Minh City Government, airline Vietjet and companies involved in international education, renewable energy and food production.
While the government has presented the initiative as a way to open new export markets, trade analysts have noted that competition for investment and market access across Southeast Asia is intensifying, with Australian states increasingly seeking a stronger presence in the region.
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