Gateway for Vietnamese goods to enter Mercosur

(NLĐO) - Vietnam is ready to act as a bridge for Brazil to access the ASEAN market. Conversely, Brazil will support Vietnam in joining the Southern Common Market (Mercosur).

During the State visit to Vietnam by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on the morning of March 29, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President Lula da Silva attended the Vietnam-Brazil Economic Forum along with leaders of ministries, sectors, and the business communities of both countries.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Brazilian President Lula da Silva attend the Vietnam-Brazil Economic Forum. Photo: VGP

Despite global economic challenges, Vietnam-Brazil trade reached nearly US$8 billion in 2024, with a target of US$15 billion by 2030. Both sides agreed to strengthen trade and investment cooperation and promote negotiations on a preferential trade agreement between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur).

The Brazilian President affirmed his readiness to facilitate the entry of Vietnamese goods into the Mercosur market. He also expressed his pleasure at witnessing Vietnam's strong development and emphasized the potential for cooperation between the two countries in aviation, engineering, energy, agriculture , and science and technology.

At the Forum, businesses from both countries proposed solutions to promote cooperation in areas of strength such as processing, retail, and food exports. Brazil committed to investing in a beef processing plant in Vietnam to access the ASEAN market, while Vietnam is ready to supply seafood and electronics to Brazil.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that during the visit, the two sides signed an Action Plan to implement the framework of the Strategic Partnership; agreed to upgrade the Intergovernmental Committee; and continued to promote high-level visits to further develop political, diplomatic, and economic relations.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President Lula da Silva witnessed the signing and exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding on investment cooperation in Vietnam between three parties: JBS Group, the Center for Investment Promotion, Information and Support (Ministry of Finance), and Sao Do Investment Group. Photo: VGP (JBS SA Brazil is the world's largest livestock and poultry processing group - PV)

Both sides also agreed to promote more balanced trade, with Brazil opening its market to Vietnamese pangasius, basa fish, and shrimp, while increasing imports of Vietnamese products in which it has strengths, such as electronics and agricultural and aquatic products. They affirmed Vietnam's readiness to contribute to ensuring food security for Brazil. Vietnam is also ready to participate in Brazilian initiatives that contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the world, especially initiatives to combat poverty.

Vietnam called on Brazil to invest in green economy sectors, digital transformation, renewable energy, and supporting industries. The two countries also agreed to explore the establishment of joint funds to promote investment, science and technology, and human resource training.

Vietnam is committed to improving the investment environment, reducing administrative procedures, developing transportation, energy, and information technology infrastructure, and is ready to act as a bridge for Brazil to access the ASEAN market. Conversely, Brazil will support Vietnam in entering the Mercosur market.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that the Vietnam-Brazil relationship has no boundaries and can develop in all fields. He called on businesses from both countries to cooperate closely, realize commitments, and contribute to promoting economic growth and bilateral relations.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/brazil-cua-ngo-de-hang-hoa-viet-nam-vao-mercosur-196250329155014848.htm