Vietnam - Brazil: Boosting Cooperation in Agriculture, Trade, and Investment

Recently, at the headquarters of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Hanoi, VCCI Vice President Nguyen Quang Vinh received Wilson Gambogi Pinheiro Taques, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil. The meeting focused on ways to strengthen economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, livestock, trade, and investment, with the goal of consolidating the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Agriculture was identified as a priority sector in Vietnam-Brazil relations, with notable progress in agricultural trade. Wilson Gambogi Pinheiro Taques highlighted the milestone in July 2025, when Brazil’s first shipment of beef was exported to Vietnam, while Vietnam’s first shipment of pangasius and tilapia was cleared for entry into Brazil, under the witness of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He affirmed that this event is not only a symbol of friendship but also marks the start of substantive cooperation, creating opportunities to diversify markets and increase the trade value of agricultural products in both countries.

 As one of the world’s leading suppliers of soybeans, Brazil reaffirmed its commitment to being a reliable partner for Vietnam in livestock and food production. He also proposed cooperation in research and the application of advanced agricultural technologies, including sustainable farming and agricultural supply chain management. “Brazil is ready to share its experience in optimizing agricultural production and protecting the environment, while also learning from Vietnam’s expertise in tropical seafood exports, particularly pangasius and shrimp,” he emphasized.

VCCI Vice President Nguyen Quang Vinh emphasized the potential for strategic cooperation. Brazil is a global leader in coffee, while Vietnam ranks first in robusta coffee exports. He suggested that the two countries establish a strategic alliance in coffee research, production, and export to maximize competitive advantages, develop high-quality coffee varieties, apply modern processing technologies, and build a joint brand to raise product value.

Beyond coffee, products such as beef, chicken, pork, and seafood, including pangasius and tilapia, are also considered promising areas for cooperation. Taques shared that JBS, one of the world’s leading food processing companies, plans to invest US$100 million in a modern food production and processing facility in Vietnam. “This project will not only create jobs but also promote technology transfer and enhance production capacity,” he said. The footwear industry has also recorded positive developments, with about 700 Brazilian employees working in Ho Chi Minh City, contributing to strengthening Brazil’s presence in Vietnam.

 Nguyen Quang Vinh affirmed that Vietnam-Brazil relations are growing strongly in all fields, from diplomacy to economy and trade. Recent high-level visits by the leaders of the two countries show a shared determination to raise bilateral relations to a comprehensive partnership. “This is a solid foundation for the business communities of both countries to expand cooperation, make full use of competitive advantages, and support each other,” he noted. With its network of more than 200,000 member enterprises, VCCI pledged to serve as a bridge to support the implementation of specific cooperation projects, particularly in agriculture and food processing industries.

Taques emphasized Brazil’s high regard for Vietnam’s dynamic market and urged stronger trade fairs and forums to connect investors. He affirmed that Brazil wants Vietnam as a strategic destination for its enterprises while learning from Vietnam’s tropical agriculture export experience.

The two sides also discussed potential cooperation in high-tech industries, such as smart agriculture, renewable energy, and food processing technology. Taques noted that Brazil, with its experience in applying biotechnology to agriculture, is ready to support Vietnam in developing sustainable farming models, reducing environmental impacts, and improving productivity. He expressed his strong impression of Vietnam’s achievements in seafood exports and affirmed Brazil’s desire to cooperate in developing sustainable supply chains for products such as pangasius and shrimp.

Vinh proposed that the two countries hold expert exchange programs and thematic workshops to share experiences in industry and technology. He also emphasized that Vietnam welcomes investment from Brazil, not only to strengthen business ties but also to reinforce Brazil’s position as one of the leading investors in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue promoting exchanges, signing, and implementing concrete cooperation projects in priority areas. Vinh expressed his hope that Vietnam would gain valuable lessons from Brazil’s advanced development models, thereby raising bilateral economic and trade relations to new heights. “This cooperation will not only bring economic benefits but also strengthen friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples,” he stressed. Taques affirmed Brazil’s commitment to continue working with Vietnam on cooperation projects and expressed confidence in the growth of bilateral relations. He noted that with VCCI and Vietnamese enterprises’ support, ties could make strong progress. The meeting opened new prospects, strengthening economic cooperation and laying the foundation for a strategic, sustainable partnership.

By Huong Ly, Vietnam Business Forum