Vietnam and Brazil Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Focus on Agriculture and Logistics
Hanoi and Brasilia are deepening economic ties, with a particular emphasis on agricultural trade, energy cooperation, and the development of logistical infrastructure. Recent high-level meetings and agreements signal a commitment to a long-term strategic partnership, building on a relationship established in 1989.
Expanding Bilateral Cooperation
A delegation from the Vietnamese Embassy in Brazil, led by Ambassador Bui Van Nghi, recently concluded a working visit to Maranhão state from February 25-28, 2026. The visit focused on promoting investment and trade cooperation, and establishing strategic connections between Vietnam and the Northeast region of Brazil [Vietnam News Agency]. Discussions centered on high-tech agriculture, advanced processing, port logistics, and ecological transition.
Strategic Partnerships at the Local Level
During the visit, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi met with Mayor Zé Pequeno of Davinópolis. The Mayor affirmed Vietnam’s role as a strategic partner in the locality’s development, particularly in manufacturing technology and distribution to Asian and ASEAN markets [Vietnam News Agency]. Davinópolis aims to develop its inland port into an international logistics service area and proposed a “sister city” agreement with a Vietnamese locality to foster business exchanges, human resource training, and knowledge sharing.
Trade and Investment Growth
Vietnam and Brazil elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership in November 2024, coinciding with Brazil’s recognition of Vietnam as a market economy and the reciprocal opening of their agricultural markets [Vietnam News Agency]. Trade volume is projected to reach US$7.76 billion in 2025 [VOV]. Negotiations are underway between Mercosur and Vietnam for a preferential trade agreement (PCA).
Infrastructure Development and Key Projects
The Maranhão state government has committed 20 million reais (approximately US$3.9 million) to construct a link road for a planned dry port project [Vietnam News Agency]. Stakeholders are similarly exploring a “round-trip merchandising” strategy to reduce container costs and promote local value addition through the development of shoe factories and the optimization of the North-South railway network.
Discussions also included plans for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production from sweet potatoes, expansion of the Maiti sugar and ethanol factory, and the development of gypsum and sisal fiber production, alongside a 250-hectare storage center [Vietnam News Agency]. Companies expressed interest in establishing direct trade channels with Vietnamese partners.
Continued Collaboration
Ambassador Bui Van Nghi emphasized the Vietnamese embassy’s commitment to facilitating concrete, effective, and sustainable cooperation projects between the two nations [Vietnam News Agency]. The focus remains on leveraging the potential for cooperation in advanced agriculture, processing, logistics, and ecological transition, particularly in the context of evolving global supply chains.