Brazil aspires to boost ties with Vietnam

The Vietnamese diplomat described that this enthusiasm is a positive signal for the country to take full advantage of opportunities to solidify bilateral relations, thereby elevating its growing position and role on the international stage.

Regarding Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Brazil in May, 2023, the Ambassador highlighted it as the fifth high-level visit to the South American nation taken by a Vietnamese leader since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1989 and the first high-level visit in 16 years.

During the visit, the two sides issued a joint statement, concurring on measures to boost co-operation in politics, diplomacy, national defence, security, trade, investment, sci-tech, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. A consensus was also reached on developing the relationship into a strategic partnership.

With two-way trade hitting close to US$7 billion last year, exceeding the 2022 figure of US$6.7 billion, commitments were also made to increase it to US$10 billion in 2025 and to US$15 billion by 2030. The visit also led to the signing of four significant documents spanning diplomacy, education-training, national defence, and agriculture.

Brazil maintains its position as the largest Vietnamese trade partner in Latin America. Collaboration with Brazil and other nations in the region, particularly within the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), is therefore pivotal in initiating negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the country and the bloc.

As both Vietnam and Brazil celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, Ambassador Nghi outlined plans to facilitate the exchange of delegations at all levels whist also striving to enhance co-operation between ministries, agencies, and localities.

The nation looks forward to President Lula’s second visit following his first one in 2008. PM Chinh will also attend the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November at the invitation of the Brazilian President, he said.

He voiced his hope that these activities will be accompanied and backed by businesses from both countries, especially those involved in the fields of sci-tech, agriculture, agricultural processing, health care, and education.

This year, Brazil is also one of the two countries chosen by the Vietnamese Government to host Vietnam Day, with the event featuring cultural and music activities to showcase the country’s image, people, and culture among friends in Brazil and throughout South America.

The Film Weeks in Brazil and Vietnam, along with photo and painting exhibitions, are also planned for this year, he said, expressing anticipation for increased sport, culture-art, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

In conclusion, he hoped that ties between both sides will reach new heights in the current year.