News in brief:
– ASEAN ambassadors, led by Vietnam, visited Brazil to explore deeper cooperation in sustainable agriculture, digital transformation, and renewable energy.
– The diplomatic mission aims to strengthen ASEAN-Brazil ties ahead of COP30 and promote shared climate and economic goals.
Vietnamese Ambassador Bui Van Nghi, chairing the ASEAN Committee in Brazil, has underscored the vast untapped potential for deeper collaboration between Southeast Asian nations and Brazil, particularly in sustainable agriculture, digital transformation, renewable energy, and scientific innovation.
Leading a delegation of ASEAN ambassadors on a working visit to Belém, the capital of Pará state in northern Brazil, Ambassador Nghi held high-level discussions with local government leaders, research institutions, and enterprises.
The visit comes as Belém prepares to host the landmark 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), positioning it as a key player in global climate action.
Ambassador Nghi highlighted his region’s growing significance in Brazil’s international trade, noting that the bloc now ranks as its fourth-largest trading partner.
He emphasised recent diplomatic milestones, including the elevation of Vietnam-Brazil ties to a strategic partnership during the G20 Summit in 2024 and Brazilian President Lula da Silva’s state visit to Vietnam in March 2025.
The ambassador advocated for Brazil’s support in advancing a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Mercosur bloc, which could significantly expand bilateral trade and investment.
Local leaders welcomed ASEAN’s overtures. Pará Governor Helder Barbalho expressed strong interest in partnering on sustainable development and innovation, while Belém Mayor Igor Normando proposed initiatives in investment, cultural exchange, and natural product trade. Ambassador Nghi also praised Belém’s climate efforts and proposed enhanced cooperation in urban planning, tourism, and disaster management.
Meetings with local economic and environmental leaders, including EMBRAPA’s Eastern Amazon Research Centre, reinforced the commitment to mutual growth. These diplomatic engagements signal a new chapter in ASEAN-Brazil relations, advancing shared goals in climate resilience, economic development, and cross-regional collaboration for a sustainable future.
