Deputy Director General for Asia and the Middle East at the Department of International Relations, Anil Sooklal says the countries have a population the size of the European Union which has South Africa’s largest trading partner.

Ambassador Anikl Sooklal was speaking at a  seminar at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation organized to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Malasia, the Phillipines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Sooklal says South Africa’s political ties with all four countries are very strong. People to people relations are growing. Yet economic links remain moderate.

“Are we using our relations to best effect and with enough energy. I don’t think so,” he said

He says economic relations have to be improved for the good of the country and region.

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