Proposals and recommendations to develop Vietnam - Brazil relations in the coming time

On August 2 in Hanoi, the Institute for American Studies (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) in collaboration with the Embassy of Brazil in Vietnam organized an international seminar on "Solutions to promote Vietnam - Brazil relations in the new context". This is an opportunity for experts, scientists, managers and businesses of the two countries to discuss the progress and opportunities for cooperation in the future.

Rich activities at the Vietnam - Brazil Friendship Meeting

Conveying the beauty of Brazilian culture and people through the mural "Brazilian Living Space"

Speaking at the seminar, Associate Professor Dr. Ta Minh Tuan, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, said that after 35 years of establishing diplomatic relations, the relationship between Vietnam and Brazil has made significant progress, from friendly cooperation to comprehensive partnership in 2007. Leaders of the two countries have visited each other many times, most recently the visit of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in September 2023. The two countries have established many cooperation mechanisms such as: Vietnam - Brazil Friendship and Cooperation Association; Brazil - Vietnam Friendship Association; Vietnam - Brazil Parliamentary Friendship Group; Joint Committee at ministerial level on agriculture and science, technology and political consultation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Currently, Brazil is Vietnam's largest trading partner in Latin America with two-way trade turnover reaching 7.11 billion USD in 2023. Vietnam is also Brazil's leading partner in ASEAN.

Associate Professor Dr. Ta Minh Tuan, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, spoke at the seminar. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

According to Mr. Ta Minh Tuan, although the two countries are geographically distant, they still share many similarities and are close in culture, history and development. However, the cooperation between the two countries is not commensurate with the actual needs, potential and capacity of each side. Therefore, the seminar will share information related to cooperation, dialogue, business connection, and scientific research between the two sides, thereby providing proposals and policy suggestions to promote the Vietnam - Brazil relationship in the coming time.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Vietnam Marco Farani emphasized Brazil's support for Vietnam in its future development. He hoped that the relationship between the two countries would be continuously strengthened and developed on the basis of mutual respect and support, thereby becoming a deeper and more sustainable strategic relationship. Ambassador Farani hoped that the two countries would promote cooperation in areas such as forest protection, agriculture, science and technology and renewable energy.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Vietnam Marco Farani. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

At the seminar, six papers were presented, providing a comprehensive view of the current state of Vietnam-Brazil relations in recent times and the potential and opportunities for cooperation in areas such as agriculture, high-tech agriculture, science and technology, defense and renewable energy. Delegates and guests also pointed out the opportunities and challenges for Vietnamese enterprises when entering the Brazilian market.

According to Dr. Le Thi Van Nga, Director of the Center for Latin American Studies (Institute for American Studies), since establishing diplomatic relations in 1989 and becoming comprehensive partners in 2007, Vietnam and Brazil have made many important strides in cooperation in areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, technology, education and defense. Notable cooperation agreements include the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation, Defense Cooperation and Science and Technology. In the field of agriculture, Vietnam and Brazil are both major exporters with complementary product structures, creating many opportunities for cooperation. In terms of defense, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2023 to enhance cooperation. In the field of technology, both countries are developing strongly and have the potential to cooperate in the global supply chain.

Ms. Elda Maria Gaspar Alvarez, Deputy Ambassador of Brazil to Vietnam, said that science and technology play an important role in developing agriculture. The two countries have a lot of potential and bright spots for cooperation due to many similarities, young populations and strong development needs. Vietnam and Brazil can cooperate in the fields of digitalization and artificial intelligence in the new context.

International seminar "Solutions to promote Vietnam - Brazil relations in the new context". (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Some opinions at the seminar pointed out that the long geographical distance, high transportation and travel costs... are obstacles to the development of trade, tourism and export between the two countries. To take advantage and overcome difficulties in accessing the Brazilian market, some opinions said that the Vietnamese government should promote negotiations and sign a trade agreement with Mercosur, create a favorable legal corridor and encourage recognition of Vietnam's market economy status. This will help strengthen economic and trade cooperation, in line with the trend of increasing trade between the two countries.

In addition, the authorities need to support businesses with market information, connect with partners and solve difficulties. Businesses need to carefully research the Brazilian market, understand regulations and procedures, understand culture and barriers, develop appropriate export plans; focus on product quality, competitive prices, designs and packaging. At the same time, increase trade promotion activities and introduce products at fairs.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/de-xuat-hien-ke-nham-phat-trien-quan-he-viet-nam-brazil-trong-thoi-gian-toi-203018.html