Vietnamese goods set to gain stronger foothold in South America

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's ongoing working trip to Brazil has opened new avenues for Vietnamese exports to penetrate the vast and growing South American market.

The government leader's trip, scheduled from Friday last week to Monday, marks a significant step forward in strengthening the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Brazil.

This is the third consecutive year the Vietnamese official has traveled to Brazil, showing the determination of both nations to boost bilateral cooperation.

During high-level talks on Saturday between the top Vietnamese official and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the two leaders affirmed the complementary nature of their economies rather than competition.

Brazil is currently Vietnam's largest trade partner in Latin America, with bilateral trade reaching US$7.98 billion in 2024.

One of the most notable results of their talks was the mutual agreement to open up agricultural markets.

In a symbolic gesture following their meeting, the two leaders signed off on the first shipment of Brazilian beef to Vietnam and the first containers of Vietnamese pangasius, tilapia, and basa fish to Brazil.

Brazil also expressed readiness to import more Vietnamese seafood and rice.

Both sides cut a deal to ensure long-term food security, under which Vietnam would supply rice to help stabilize Brazil's domestic food market.

In addition, Vietnam and Brazil were committed to deepening cooperation in the coffee field, a key industry for both nations.

Plans include creating a joint coffee production-export alliance, developing a coffee trading platform, and establishing a shared brand to elevate coffee appreciation in both countries.

To further accelerate trade, PM Chinh proposed Brazil support the early conclusion of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), especially during Brazil's presidency of the bloc, in the second half of 2025.

The Brazilian president affirmed that he threw his weight behind the proposal, urging trade ministers from both sides to begin discussions and coordinate with other MERCOSUR members.

   Brazilian beef enters Vietnam

The prime minister on Saturday received Brazilian Minister of Agriculture Carlos Fvaro, witnessing the first shipment of Brazilian beef bound for Vietnam.

The export marked a major milestone in opening agricultural markets between the two countries.

PM Chinh expressed confidence that his trip would usher in a new era for VietnamBrazil agricultural cooperation, positioning agriculture as a breakthrough area of their bilateral partnership.

Tieu Bac - Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre News

(2025/07/07-17:11)