Ambassador Bui Van Nghi and ASEAN ambassadors in Brazil visited and worked in Belém, Para state

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi and ASEAN ambassadors in Brazil with Governor Helder Barbalho, Belém city, Pará state.

The visit took place in the context of the city of Belém's active preparations for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). During the visit, the delegation had extensive meetings and discussions with state and city government leaders, research institutions, industry and local businesses.

This is also an activity to strengthen solidarity within ASEAN, enhance cooperation between the state of Pará - Brazil and ASEAN countries, and seek opportunities for twinning between cities in the state of Pará and cities in Vietnam.

At the reception for the ASEAN ambassadors, the Governor of Pará State, Mr. Helder Barbalho, emphasized the honor of welcoming the ambassadors in Belém – “the heart of the Amazon”. Governor Barbalho said that 80% of the infrastructure for COP30 is ready, thanks to the effective coordination between the federal, state and municipal governments. The Governor emphasized the desire to promote investment cooperation, technological innovation, sustainable development and strengthen relations between Pará State and ASEAN countries.

On behalf of the delegation, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi highly appreciated Belém's preparations for COP30 and emphasized the great potential for cooperation between ASEAN and Brazil. The Ambassador said that ASEAN is currently Brazil's fourth largest trading partner - a figure that reflects the increasingly important role of the Southeast Asian region in the South American country's foreign policy and economic cooperation.

According to him, the relationship between Brazil and ASEAN still has much untapped potential, especially in areas such as investment, science and technology, sustainable agriculture , digital transformation and renewable energy. Within the framework of the G20 Summit (November 2024), Vietnam and Brazil upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. In particular, President Lula da Silva's state visit to Vietnam in March 2025 opened up many cooperation opportunities. The Ambassador also asked the state government to support Vietnam in negotiating and signing the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Mercosur bloc in the coming time.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi and ASEAN ambassadors in Brazil at a meeting with Belém Mayor Igor Normando.

At a meeting with Belém Mayor Igor Normando, the city leader shared his vision of developing Belém into a center of bio-economic innovation, transforming from a service city to a new pillar of the green economy. The Mayor called for building comprehensive partnerships with ASEAN, including investment, exchange of natural products, culture and knowledge, to work together towards the “greenest” COP30.

Expressing his impression of the sense of responsibility of the Belém city government in responding to climate change, the Ambassador also proposed expanding cooperation between ASEAN and Belém in areas such as urban planning, tourism , environmental sanitation and disaster risk management, while emphasizing the role of local-local relations in promoting substantive linkages. The Ambassador also expressed his appreciation and appreciation for the initiative and responsibility of the city leaders, along with the strong efforts and determination of the government in preparing for the COP30 Summit. The implementation of technical infrastructure and logistics works, as well as the organization of related events have been carried out proactively, systematically and effectively.

The delegation of ASEAN ambassadors to Brazil visited and worked with Mr. John Wayne, President of the Belém City Council.

During a meeting with Mr. John Wayne, President of the Belém City Council, the two sides agreed on the need to promote the role of the local legislature in supporting green development policies and international cooperation. The Council President said that the state government had strongly lobbied for Belém to become the host of COP30, demonstrating a high political commitment to responding to climate change.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi emphasized the role of local parliaments in creating a favorable legal framework to promote investment, cultural exchange and cooperation programs between ASEAN and Brazil. The Ambassador especially emphasized the potential for cooperation in the fields of agriculture, food processing and ecotourism in the Amazon region.

The ASEAN ambassadorial delegation also had a working session with the EMBRAPA Amazonia Oriental Research Institute - Brazil's leading agricultural research unit.

The ASEAN delegation also had a working session with the EMBRAPA Amazonia Oriental Research Institute – Brazil’s leading agricultural research unit. Ms. Maria Rosa Travasso, Deputy Director of EMBRAPA, presented the research strategy focusing on agricultural digitalization, climate adaptation, food safety and comprehensive health (One Health).

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi affirmed that Southeast Asia and the Amazon have many similarities in climate and environmental challenges, so cooperation with EMBRAPA is of practical significance. The Ambassador proposed cooperation with ASEAN research institutions, including Vietnam, such as the Vietnam National Academy of Agriculture, the University of Agriculture and Forestry, Institutes/Centers for Plant Breeding Research, the possibility of cooperation and transfer of plant and animal breeds between Vietnam and Brazil in general, and the state of Pará and other states and localities in particular. The Ambassador also proposed promoting cooperation between Quantum Farm and Agristar to exchange seeds to develop new crops with high economic efficiency for the two countries.

The delegation had a working session with the Director of the Department of Economic Development, Mining and Energy of the state of Pará, Paulo Bengtson.

During the meeting with the Director of the Department of Economic Development, Mining and Energy of the State of Pará, Mr. Paulo Bengtson, the two sides discussed cooperation opportunities in the mining industry, logistics, energy, food processing and consumer goods. Director Paulo expressed his desire to promote business links between the State of Pará and ASEAN countries.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi highly appreciated the potential of the state of Pará – a region with an area four times larger than Vietnam – and proposed organizing business delegations and forums to promote bilateral trade and investment, and inviting Brazilian businesses to participate in economic events in Vietnam. The Ambassador emphasized the strategic role of updating Vietnam – Brazil relations and connecting ASEAN – Brazilian states as a new driving force for sustainable development.

The ASEAN ambassadorial delegation conducted a field survey of logistics work for COP30.

In addition to official meetings, the ASEAN delegation inspected the logistics of COP30, enjoyed typical dishes of Northern Brazil and learned about the lives of people in the Amazon region. These experiences helped the delegation better understand the natural, social and cultural conditions of the land known as the "green heart" of the planet.

The visit and working session of the ASEAN Ambassadors to the city of Belém, Pará state is an important occasion to enhance understanding and promote comprehensive cooperation between ASEAN and Brazil, especially in the context of the approaching COP30. Extensive exchanges with local leaders, research institutes and the business community have opened up many new opportunities in areas such as climate change, sustainable agriculture, investment and cultural exchange. The visit not only contributes to strengthening the bilateral relations between Vietnam and Brazil but also represents a substantial step forward in promoting ASEAN-Brazil relations towards sustainable development for the common interests of the countries.

Some other pictures of the delegation's trip.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi with the Governor of Para state.

ASEAN Ambassadors to Brazil with Mr. John Wayne, President of the Belém City Council.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi and ASEAN ambassadors in Brazil work with the COP30 hosting region.

ASEAN ambassadors in Brazil work with the airport on COP 30.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi and ASEAN ambassadors in Brazil visited and worked with the Mayor of Belem city 3.

ASEAN ambassadors visit Combu Island in the Amazon River region 1.

Visit Combu Island in the Amazon River region 2.

State of Pará – Heart of the Amazon

Pará is Brazil’s second largest state by area, located in the north of the country, with the city of Belém as its capital. The state is renowned for its rich tropical forests, which are among the most biodiverse in the world, and is the leading producer of açaí in Brazil. With its strategic location along the Amazon River, Pará plays an important role in green economic development, logistics, and the export of agricultural and mineral products. The state is also emerging as a center for research and innovation in the fields of agriculture, energy, and the environment.

Geographic location and transport infrastructure

• Possesses 12,000 km of natural waterways that can be exploited for sea and inland transport, connecting 73 cities through the river system.

• There are 108 ports and logistics infrastructure points along rivers and seas, facilitating export and transportation.

• The transportation network includes 350 km of railway, 42,000 km of road and 65 airports/landing strips, supporting economic development in remote areas.

Extractive

• Is the second largest ore mining state in Brazil, with an output of 302.9 million tons in 2024.

• The main production chains include: aluminum, copper, iron and steel.

• Home to Brazil's largest aluminum plant, with high-purity aluminum ore.

Agriculture and livestock

• Produces 1.7 million tons of açaí per year – the largest in the country, a specialty and valuable export.

• As the largest cocoa producing state in Brazil, it has potential for deep processing and export.

• Largest palm oil producer in the country – a potential source of raw materials for industry and bioenergy.

• Ranked second in Brazil in terms of cattle herd size – the foundation for the development of the beef industry and livestock products.

Energy

• Bioenergy: Production capacity reaches 432 million liters per year, is an important renewable energy source.

• Hydropower: Owns two of Brazil's largest fully owned hydropower plants, with a total capacity of 19,535 MW, playing a central role in providing electricity to the entire country.

• Natural gas: A large-scale natural gas distribution project is being implemented, contributing to diversifying energy sources and promoting industrial development.

Tourism:

• Paz Theater (Theatro da Paz)

o Symbol of the prosperous rubber era of the 19th century.

o Neoclassical style, luxurious interior, gold-paved walkway to the Emperor's Box.

• Location of the Dogs

o The old pier has been rebuilt and has many restaurants, bars and shops.

o Safe and bustling area.

• Mangal das Garças

o Botanical garden in the city, has many birds and reptiles.

• Republic Square

o Central park shaded by mango trees.

o There is the Paz Theater and quiet space to relax.

• Paraense Emilio Goeldi Museum

o Focuses on the study of the Amazon ecosystem; has information on local flora and fauna.

• Basilica of Our Lady of Nazare

o Combination of Baroque and Neoclassical styles.

o Intricately carved and inlaid interior, with traditional ribbons on the exterior.

• Go to Ver-o-Peso market

o The most famous market in Belém.

o Selling fruits, seafood, meat, spices, souvenirs and street food.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dai-su-bui-van-nghi-cung-cac-dai-su-asean-tai-brazil-tham-va-lam-viec-tai-belem-bang-para-313965.html