South Australia is officially planting roots in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, with the State Government announcing SA’s first-ever trade and investment post in Vietnam.
The new South Australian Government trade and investment manager will be based in Ho Chi Minh City and is expected to be appointed later this year, a major step that’s set to strengthen trade, tourism, education and business ties between South Australia and Southeast Asia.
The announcement was made by Chris Picton during his first overseas trade mission as Minister for State Development, at a trade event in Vietnam this week.
The new role will help connect South Australian businesses and industries with opportunities across sectors, including food and beverage, renewable energy, tourism and international education, while also supporting investment partnerships between the two regions.
Vietnam has quickly emerged as an economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia, recording 8 per cent growth in 2025 and projected to become one of the world’s top 20 economies by 2050. It also has the third-largest population in Southeast Asia, with a rapidly growing middle class expected to hit 36 million people by 2030.
For South Australia, the relationship is already significant. Merchandise exports to Vietnam are currently valued at $554 million, with copper exports accounting for nearly half that figure at $262 million. Food, wine and agriculture exports are also growing steadily, currently sitting at $72 million.
“Vietnam is the fastest-growing country in one of the fastest growing regions in the world,” said Picton. “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.
“In an increasingly uncertain world, we’re stepping up our partnership with Southeast Asia to strengthen energy security and supply chain resilience.”
The new position will work alongside South Australia’s existing Southeast Asian trade presence in Singapore and Malaysia and collaborate closely with Martin Haese, South Australia’s Special Envoy to Singapore and Southeast Asia.
“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 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.”
During the trade mission, Picton is also meeting with the Ho Chi Minh City Government, airline Vietjet, and businesses across education, renewable energy, food and beverage sectors, all with the goal of expanding economic opportunities for South Australia.
The Government says the new Vietnam post will be funded through existing Department of State Develo
