Prime Minister inaugurates trading at Africa’s largest stock exchange

THE HANOI TIMES — Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on November 21, inaugurated a trading session and met with Group CEO Leila Fourie to explore closer cooperation between Vietnam and Africa’s largest stock market.

Founded in 1887, JSE ranks among the top 20 global exchanges by market capitalization, valued at around US$1.25 trillion, with 435 listed companies and an average monthly trading of $6-7 billion.

The bourse is central to South Africa’s economy, mobilizing capital for businesses, supporting jobs and attracting global investors, particularly in mining and natural resources. The World Economic Forum has recognized JSE as one of the world’s best-regulated financial markets.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated JSE on its achievements and highlighted lessons Vietnam can adopt to modernize its trading system, diversify financial products and deepen integration with global markets.

He said Vietnam achieved its goal of upgrading its market from a frontier to a secondary emerging market by FTSE Russell in October 2025.

“Vietnam continues to maintain macroeconomic stability, control inflation and secure key economic balances, with projected GDP growth of over 8% in 2025 and long-term double-digit growth targets,” said Chinh.

To foster a healthy, transparent, stable and sustainable capital market, the Prime Minister proposed cooperation in product development, establishing an international financial hub in Vietnam, accelerating digital transformation, promoting indirect investment and developing real estate and gold trading platforms.

JSE CEO Leila Fourie welcomed the delegation, praised Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and confirmed readiness to implement joint activities, including potential visits to Vietnam early next year.