Expanding Bilateral Trade Opportunities
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As part of a working program in Senegal from May 11–15, 2025, the Vietnam Trade Office in Algeria (concurrently responsible for Senegal) and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Dakar co-organized a Vietnam–Senegal Business Conference on May 14, 2025.
The hybrid event (in-person and online) gathered 60 enterprises from both countries across sectors such as agriculture, food processing, industrial goods, and services.
Senegal: A Strategic Gateway to West Africa
Speaking at the event, Mr. Mbaye Chimère NDIAYE, Secretary-General of the Dakar Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that this annual conference has become an important bridge connecting businesses from both sides, promoting mutually beneficial private-sector growth.
He expressed hope that beyond trade, Vietnamese and Senegalese enterprises would establish partnerships, joint ventures, and processing facilities in Senegal to leverage local raw materials such as raw cashew nuts and cotton, thus creating added value and employment opportunities.
Senegal, a politically stable West African nation with open trade policies, serves as a logistics hub for landlocked neighboring countries through its Dakar seaport. With recent developments in oil exploitation, infrastructure, and economic reforms, the IMF forecasts Senegal’s GDP growth at 8.4% in 2025 — among the highest in Africa.
Solid Foundations of Vietnam–Senegal Cooperation
During the conference, Mr. Hoàng Đức Nhuận, Vietnam’s Commercial Counsellor, highlighted the history of bilateral cooperation.
Vietnam and Senegal signed a Framework Agreement on Economic, Trade, Cultural, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation (1995) and a Tripartite Agreement among Vietnam–FAO–Senegal (1996).
Additionally, in 2012, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Dakar Chamber of Commerce signed a cooperation agreement to enhance trade and investment promotion.
Trade Growth Surges in 2023–2025
According to data from the International Trade Center (ITC) and Vietnam Customs, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Senegal reached USD 107.46 million in 2023, a 52.4% increase compared to 2022.
Vietnam’s exports to Senegal totaled USD 37.8 million, mainly agricultural and food products.
Imports from Senegal amounted to USD 69.66 million, including raw cashew nuts (USD 60.77 million), fish meal, seafood, oil seeds, and cotton.
Notably, in the first four months of 2025, Vietnam’s exports to Senegal surged to USD 43.43 million, nearly matching the entire 2024 figure.
Key exports included:
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Rice: USD 25.67 million
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Pepper: USD 6.8 million
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Fruits and vegetables: USD 1.7 million
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Confectionery, auto and motorbike parts, and seafood products
Senegal – One of Africa’s Largest Rice Markets
Senegal ranks as the third-largest rice importer in Africa, after Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
The country imports 800,000–1,000,000 tons of rice annually, over 90% of which is 100% broken rice.
Vietnamese fragrant 100% broken rice is already available in Senegalese supermarkets in 5 kg and 25 kg bags, priced at approximately USD 1.3/kg.
Business Interests and Cooperation Prospects
Senegalese businesses expressed strong interest in importing rice, spices, coffee, tea, construction materials, furniture, packaging, and school supplies from Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Vietnamese and overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs sought suppliers of dried foods such as rice paper, noodles, and fish sauce for Asian restaurants.
Senegalese enterprises also aim to boost exports of raw cashew nuts, cotton, seafood, and fish meal for animal feed production.
Delegates acknowledged Vietnam’s experience, financial capacity, and industrial competitiveness, calling for joint investments in manufacturing and processing within Senegal to serve local and regional markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Addressing Trade Barriers and Enhancing Legal Frameworks
Participants also discussed obstacles such as:
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Payment reliability and transaction trust
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The persistence of intermediaries in cashew exports to Vietnam
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Visa procedures for business travelers
To strengthen bilateral cooperation, both sides proposed:
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Improving the legal framework for trade, industry, and investment
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Establishing a Vietnam–Senegal Business Council
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Organizing regular trade promotion events, exhibitions, and business forums
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Encouraging participation in international trade fairs such as Vietnam Expo, Vietnam International Sourcing Expo, Vietnam Food Expo, and Dakar International Fair
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Supporting partner verification and trade dispute resolution
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Appointing an Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Senegal
Showcasing Vietnamese Products in Dakar
On the sidelines of the event, the Vietnam Trade Office organized a catalogue and product exhibition at the Dakar Chamber of Commerce headquarters, featuring Vietnamese coffee, confectionery, and other export goods.
Delegates were also invited to taste Vietnamese products, further promoting the image and quality of Vietnam’s exports in the Senegalese market.