Vietnam, MERCOSUR launch first round of preferential trade talks in Argentina
VOV.VN - The first round of negotiations for the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from August 24 to 28, marking an important step forward in expanding economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and South America.
Speaking at the opening session held on August 24, with the attendance of Undersecretary for International Economic Negotiations and Integration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, Ambassador Roberto Alejandro Salafia; Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Ngo Minh Nguyet; along with members of the Vietnamese and MERCOSUR negotiating delegations, the two sides affirmed their determination to advance the negotiation process in a spirit of goodwill, openness, and constructiveness, aiming for a balanced agreement that aligns with the interests of Vietnam as well as MERCOSUR.
Within the framework of the negotiation round, on August 26, the negotiating delegations of Vietnam and MERCOSUR had a meeting with Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship Pablo Quirno. At the meeting, Minister Pablo Quirno affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner of Argentina in Southeast Asia.
Minister Pablo Quirno expressed his desire for the two sides to continue expanding and deepening economic and trade cooperation, while promoting the removal of barriers to better exploit trade potential. He also proposed that Vietnam and MERCOSUR build a specific negotiation roadmap, creating momentum for the process to achieve early results.
During the working sessions, the parties actively exchanged views on the content of the Agreement and clarified foundational issues, creating a basis for continued discussions in subsequent negotiating rounds. Both sides agreed to maintain a spirit of cooperation, flexibility, and a result-oriented approach, demonstrating their determination to jointly seek suitable solutions that balance interests and address the concerns of the parties.
The first negotiating round of the Vietnam- MERCOSUR PTA, which concluded on August 28, created an important prerequisite for Vietnam and MERCOSUR to continue discussions and prepare for the next negotiating round, aiming toward the goal of building an effective, balanced trade agreement that brings practical benefits to the parties.
The launch of PTA negotiations demonstrates the interest and determination of both sides in strengthening economic connectivity, expanding market access opportunities, and further exploiting trade potential between Vietnam and the South American region.
On his social media account, Minister Pablo Quirno stated that he was very pleased to welcome the working groups attending the first in-person PTA negotiation round between MERCOSUR and Vietnam. He emphasized that Vietnam is currently Argentina's sixth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching approximately US$4 billion per year.
In December 2025, Vietnam and MERCOSUR, comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, agreed to launch PTA negotiations in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, an important milestone in strengthening MERCOSUR - Vietnam relations, contributing to promoting regional integration and creating momentum for dynamic, mutually beneficial economic relations.
Interviewed by Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondents in Buenos Aires on this occasion, Ambassador Salafia affirmed that MERCOSUR wishes to expand its network of trade agreements with countries around the world, in which Vietnam is a particularly important partner. According to him, all four MERCOSUR member countries maintain vibrant economic relations with Vietnam and wish to continue increasing bilateral trade flows through negotiations, aiming to reach a trade agreement with Vietnam.
Ambassador Salafia emphasized that the first round of negotiations is of great significance, while highly appreciating the Vietnamese negotiating delegation's trip to Buenos Aires. Argentina was assigned the role of leading this negotiation process.
Regarding bilateral relations, he stated that Argentina and Vietnam have significant trade volume and high complementarity. Argentina in particular and MERCOSUR in general recognize the great potential of Southeast Asia, which has grown strongly in recent decades, with Vietnam being a typical example.
According to him, MERCOSUR's objective is not only to increase trade volume in goods and services with Vietnam but also to diversify areas of exchange, thereby effectively leveraging the complementarity between the two economies and bringing benefits to all parties.
Argentine expert sees positive outlook for MERCOSUR-Vietnam PTA negotiations
VOV.VN - Prospects for negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), as well as broader cooperation between Vietnam and Argentina, look highly promising, according to Rodolfo Cáffaro Kramer, President of the MERCOSUR-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce (MACC).
Vietnam, Argentina push for early preferential trade agreement with MERCOSUR
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang has urged Argentina, as coordinator of negotiations, to accelerate progress towards an early signing of a preferential trade agreement (PTA) between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) following the launch of talks in December 2025.
