S African development group formed in Vietnam

HANOI - The Southern African Development Community (SADC) was inaugurated Friday by SADC member country residents in Vietnam, including Angola, Mozambique and South Africa.

According to Mozambican Ambassador to Vietnam Gamiliel Munguambe, the SADC in Hanoi will focus on promoting SADC policies within its member communities in Vietnam and boosting SADC international agenda of cooperation by identifying key international partners.

In addition, diplomats from SADC member states will meet to exchange views and information on various issues to expand cooperation between the group and Vietnam, and with regional economic organizations, especially those linked to the ASEAN.

The SADC, founded in 1980 and currently chaired by Mozambique, comprises 15 countries, including Angola, Botswana, Congo and Madagascar. It has a population of more than 257.7 million and a GDP exceeding $470 billion.

The group's mission is to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development through cooperation and integration.