Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh arrived in Rio de Janeiro in 1912 and laid the foundation for Vietnam-Brazil relations, said Pedro da Oliviera, General Secretary of the Brazil-Vietnam Friendship Association, in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporter ahead of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s official visit to Vietnam from March 27 to 29.
Oliviera highlighted that President Ho Chi Minh, a great leader in Vietnam’s struggle for national liberation, served as a cultural, social, economic, and political bridge between the two nations. He also expressed his joy over the installation of a commemorative plaque honouring the late Vietnamese leader in Santa Teresa last year.
He expressed his confidence that the Brazilian President’s visit would significantly enhance trade and diplomatic ties between Brazil and Vietnam – a highly dynamic economy. In 2024, bilateral trade reached 7.7 billion USD, up 14% year-on-year. Semiconductor manufacturing and aerospace are promising sectors for the two sides’ future cooperation, the official noted.
Oliviera praised the upgrade of Vietnam-Brazil relations to a strategic partnership during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Brazil and attendance at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November last year, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties. He said that there remains vast potential for bilateral collaboration in agriculture, tropical crop research, electronics, automobile manufacturing, culture, and sports.
The official noted that Brazil will host the 30th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP30) in November 2025, and the President’s visit to Vietnam also aims to encourage greater international engagement in global environmental commitments.
He went on to affirm his association’s commitment to strengthening solidarity, friendship, and cooperation between the two countries in the years ahead./.
Brazil appreciates growing partnership with Vietnam
Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi highlighted Brazil as Vietnam’s largest partner in Latin America. Vietnam currently imports soybeans, corn, and cotton from the country while exporting electronics, tires, clothing, and footwear.
