Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on March 28th, marking a significant step forward in the strategic partnership between the two nations. The meeting took place as Vietnam and Brazil are seeking to enhance cooperation across various sectors, from economics to culture.
Elevating Strategic Partnership in the New Era (2025-2030)
Both leaders agreed to further elevate and specify the Strategic Partnership framework, aiming to take bilateral cooperation to a new high that aligns with the developmental needs of both countries. They committed to effectively implementing agreed-upon measures, specifying the 2025-2030 partnership, focusing on substantial and effective cooperation.
Strengthening Trade Cooperation, Expanding Market Access
Bilateral trade in 2024 reached nearly USD 8 billion, an impressive figure that highlights future growth potential. Both sides committed to achieving a target of USD 15 billion by 2030, demonstrating their commitment to boosting economic cooperation. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính expressed deep gratitude for President Lula da Silva’s decision to recognize Vietnam’s market economy status, creating opportunities for businesses in both countries to access markets fairly and mutually beneficially. Vietnam also pledged to expand the market for Brazilian beef, along with other agricultural products like catfish and shrimp, within the framework of overall market liberalization.
Investing in Collaboration and Development
The meeting also provided opportunities for Brazilian companies, particularly JBS S.A., to explore investment opportunities in Vietnam. The Vietnamese government committed to providing favorable conditions for Brazilian businesses operating in sectors like aviation and minerals.
Promoting Cooperation in Other Fields
Both sides agreed to accelerate negotiations for a trade agreement between Vietnam and the Mercosur (Common Market of the South) bloc. They will also encourage ministerial-level, sectoral, local, and business delegations to continue exchanging ideas and detailing high-level agreements. The consistent, effective, and flexible implementation of the Joint Economic-Trade and Political Consultation Committee mechanism was emphasized, along with establishing mechanisms to regularly review and implement new partnerships. Cooperation in sports, particularly football, was also emphasized and encouraged.
Meeting with National Assembly Chairwoman
On the same day, National Assembly Chairwoman Trần Thanh Mẫn also met with the Brazilian president. Both leaders agreed to increase high-level contacts, exchange experiences on legislation, oversight, and decision-making on national issues, and boost the role of both nations’ parliaments in advancing bilateral relations. Supporting the business communities and citizens of both countries was also considered important.
Conclusion
The meetings of Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and President Lula da Silva, along with National Assembly Chairwoman Trần Thanh Mẫn, have laid a solid foundation for the future development of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Brazil.
