On Friday, March 28, 2025, Brazil and Vietnam signed a significant action plan to implement a Strategic Partnership between the two nations, marking a new chapter in their diplomatic relations. The agreement was formalized in Hanoi by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong during Lula's state visit to Vietnam.
The action plan, which spans from 2025 to 2030, aims to deepen cooperation in various areas, including defense, economy, trade, investments, agriculture, food security, science, technology, innovation, environment, sustainability, energy transition, sociocultural cooperation, and consular affairs. This partnership is particularly noteworthy as it comes on the heels of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, celebrated in 2024.
During the signing ceremony, Lula highlighted the importance of recognizing Vietnam as a market economy, stating, "My government has an interest in recognizing Vietnam as a market economy. These and other measures will allow us to expand trade and investment flows between our countries." This sentiment reflects Brazil's commitment to strengthening economic ties with Vietnam, which is already a major consumer of Brazilian agricultural products.
As of 2024, Vietnam was the fifth-largest consumer of Brazilian agricultural goods, with Brazil supplying approximately 70% of the soybeans imported by Vietnam and being the leading supplier of pork (around 37%). The total trade volume between Brazil and Vietnam reached $7.7 billion in 2024, with Brazil enjoying a surplus of $415 million. The ambitious goal set by both nations is to increase this trade volume to $15 billion by 2030.
In addition to the action plan, four bilateral agreements were signed in Hanoi. These include agreements on remunerated activities for dependents of diplomatic missions and the exchange of classified information, as well as memorandums of understanding for commercial and industrial cooperation and partnerships related to football. These agreements are expected to bolster the foundations of the Strategic Partnership.
The expansion of trade is a key focus of this partnership, particularly the opening of the Vietnamese market to Brazilian beef. Lula remarked, "The opening of the Vietnamese market for Brazilian beef will attract investments from Brazilian meatpackers to make this country a platform for exports to Southeast Asia." This move is anticipated to enhance Brazil's trade presence in the region.
Furthermore, Lula expressed optimism about increasing exports of higher value-added goods from Brazil to Vietnam, including aircraft. He mentioned, "I hope that Vietnam Airlines will positively evaluate Embraer's offer for the E-Jets family, ideal for regional connectivity." This indicates Brazil's strategy to diversify its export portfolio and enhance its economic relationship with Vietnam.
Another significant area of collaboration discussed during the meetings was coffee production. Both Brazil and Vietnam are leading coffee producers globally and have faced challenges due to climate change. Lula stated, "We are determined to expand our technical exchange to strengthen the resilience of coffee production." This partnership aims to enhance research and development in coffee cultivation, benefiting both nations.
As part of the broader agenda, Brazil invited Vietnam to participate in the upcoming BRICS meeting in Rio de Janeiro in July 2025 and the COP30 climate conference in Belém in November 2025. Lula emphasized the need for collective action to address climate change, stating, "To fulfill the Paris Agreement, all countries must adopt the highest possible degree of ambition within their development circumstances."
The Brazilian president's visit also included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs and a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, underscoring the historical significance of the bilateral relationship. Lula's meetings with key Vietnamese leaders, including Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man, and Communist Party Secretary-General Tô Lâm, reflect the depth of engagement between the two nations.
Looking ahead, Lula's administration aims to leverage Brazil's upcoming presidency of Mercosur, which begins in July 2025, to foster closer ties with Vietnam and explore potential trade agreements that benefit both sides. The Brazilian government is keen on promoting educational and technological exchanges, with plans for universities in both countries to facilitate the exchange of professors and students.
Overall, the signing of the action plan and the various agreements signal a strong commitment from both Brazil and Vietnam to enhance their strategic partnership. As Lula concluded, "No collaboration is as strategic for the future of two emerging countries as cooperation in education and science and technology." This partnership is poised to set the stage for greater collaboration and mutual benefit in the coming years.
