In a letter to Việt Nam News, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva discussed his upcoming visit to Hà Nội from March 27th to 29th, marking the second time he has visited Việt Nam in 17 years. This trip coincides with a significant milestone in Brazilian-Vietnamese relations, as 2024 will see the two countries commemorate 35 years of diplomatic ties and elevate their relationship to that of Strategic Partners, effective November.
Lula emphasized the substantial growth in bilateral trade since his first visit, which has soared from $534 million in 2008 to nearly $7.7 billion in 2024. Brazil has emerged as Việt Nam’s largest commercial partner in Latin America and a key supplier of essential goods such as pork, chicken, and cotton, bolstering Việt Nam’s food security and textile industry.
The President also highlighted Brazil’s robust economic growth, surpassing that of many developed countries. He asserted that Brazil offers a stable business environment for foreign investment and trade, with goals to increase the bilateral trade turnover to $15 billion by 2030. This includes an emphasis on exporting higher value-added products and collaboration in sectors like commercial and military aviation, renewable energy, and technology innovation, specifically in semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
Lula noted the importance of strengthening ties in light of global shifts, underlining that both Latin America and Southeast Asia are dynamic players in fostering a multipolar world. The combined GDPs of MERCOSUR and ASEAN, amounting to $2.8 trillion and $3.8 trillion respectively, highlight the significance of these regions in international affairs. He argued for a collaborative approach to ensure a multipolar world governed by fair norms rather than being dominated by major powers.
He also reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation while seeking Việt Nam’s support for Brazil’s leadership roles in BRICS and COP30 this year. Lula acknowledged Việt Nam’s position as a strong voice in the Global South, making it a valuable ally in promoting inclusive global governance that addresses the needs of developing countries. Additionally, he recognized Việt Nam’s extensive vegetation cover as significant in advocating for mechanisms rewarding environmental services provided by tropical forests.
Lula drew cultural parallels, noting the significance of food in both nations, an element that emphasizes their shared commitment to food security. Both Brazil and Việt Nam have successfully lifted millions out of poverty, and he expressed confidence that their cooperation will allow them to tackle future challenges together and work towards a brighter future for both countries and the broader international community.
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