Vietnam, Brazil cement multifaceted cooperation

On July 2, Hue met with Brazilian President Michel Temer during which he affirmed that Vietnam appreciates the position and role of Brazil in the international arena, and attaches importance to its ties with the Latin American country.

He told the host that during his visit, the two countries reached several important agreements, thus helping create a legal framework and foundation for them to intensify cooperation in trade and investment.

President Temer spoke highly of the importance of the Vietnamese official’s visit in consolidating and expanding the bilateral friendship and multi-faceted collaboration.

He welcomed both sides’ close coordination at regional and international forums, expressing his hope that Vietnam will serve as a bridge connecting Brazil with the ASEAN Community.

At his meeting with Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes Ferreira, Deputy PM Hue said that the time-honoured friendship, trust and political will are an important basis to deepen the bilateral comprehensive partnership.

The Brazilian minister stressed that the Vietnamese Deputy PM’s visit will help strengthen mutual trust, and open a new page in the bilateral ties ahead of the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2019.

The two sides agreed to speed up the creation of a legal framework for the bilateral relations, including a framework agreement on technical cooperation, information sharing on tax towards the signing of a double taxation avoidance agreement. They vowed to make full use of existing cooperative mechanisms such as the Inter-Governmental Cooperation Committee and political consultation between the two Foreign Ministries to work out specific ideas for promoting the bilateral ties and collaboration at international organisations and forums.

Exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, both sides affirmed the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, and aviation and navigation safety in the East Sea, and solving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law. They also expressed their backing of the early formation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) by ASEAN and China.

While meeting with Minister of Industry, Foreign Trade and Services Marcos Jorge, the Vietnamese Deputy PM suggested both countries intensify delegation exchange, organise more trade and investment promotion activities and collaborate in harmonising standards.

He said the two countries should facilitate market access for each other’s strong commodities such as Vietnam’s tra fish and shrimp and Brazil’s beef.

Deputy PM Hue also proposed Brazil not levy high duties on Vietnam’s stainless steel, and early recognise Vietnam’s market economy status.

Minister Marcos Jorge suggested the two countries hold negotiations toward the signing of an investment protection agreement.

He agreed to increase trade promotion, and pledged to push for the Brazilian Government’s recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status in 2018.

The minister called for Vietnam’s support for negotiations of a trade agreement between Brazil and ASEAN.

Meeting Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply Blairo Maggi, Deputy PM Hue asked Brazil to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese farm produce, including tra and basa fishes and shrimp, to enter the Brazilian market.

The Brazilian minister agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in agriculture, including making legal documents to serve as foundation for cooperation.

Brazil has experience in developing sustainable agriculture and is willing to transfer the experience for Vietnam, he said. 

The minister also suggested the two sides collaborate in food hygiene and safety and quarantine in order to facilitate the export of goods to each other’s markets. 

On the occasion of Deputy PM Hue’s visit, Vietnam and Brazil signed several cooperation agreements, including a governmental agreement on aviation cooperation, a memorandum of understanding on agricultural cooperation and another on cooperation between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (APEX).

After the signing ceremony, Deputy PM Hue and Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes Ferreira chaired a press conference, during which they announced the two governments’ determination to boost the bilateral comprehensive collaboration.