Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi meets with Samo Tosatti, Director of International Relations of São Paulo State. (Source: Embassy of Vietnam in Brazil)

During his visit from April 7-10, the Ambassador held meetings with the Government of Sao Paulo State, the Federation of Industries of the State of Sao Paulo (FIESP), and Friboi -a subsidiary of the JBS Group- to explore opportunities to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment, with a focus on Sao Paulo.

During his working session with Samo Tosatti, Director of International Relations for Sao Paulo, Nghi underlined the robust development of Vietnam–Brazil relations over the past 35 years.

He noted the two countries are now strategic partners, however there remains significant untapped potential in economic and trade cooperation.

The diplomat suggested that efforts should be intensified to enhance mutual understanding between Vietnamese and Brazilian businesses, paving the way for deeper collaboration.

Nghi also proposed Sao Paulo authorities and enterprises support federal-level negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and MERCOSUR, that would open up significant opportunities for Vietnamese companies and help Brazil expand its reach into the ASEAN market. In turn, Brazil remains an important market for Vietnamese goods in South America.

Tosatti reaffirmed his state’s commitment to international cooperation, especially with Vietnam. He spoke highly of Vietnam’s economic achievements and recognised the broad potential for expanding trade and investment between the two sides.

He also highlighted the economic strength of Sao Paulo, whose GDP surpasses the combined economies of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, adding that this presents a strong basis for deeper ties.

He expressed his support for FTA negotiations and emphasised the role of Sao Paulo’s robust private sector in fostering bilateral cooperation.

During his meeting with FIESP President Josué Christiano Gomes da Silva, Ambassador Nghi received affirmation that Vietnam is seen as a dynamic partner. The FIESP leader stressed the value of business exchanges, trade fairs, and networking events as key to promoting understanding and enhancing cooperation.

The Vietnamese diplomat also met with Renato Costa, CEO of Friboi, and Pedro de Castro, Friboi’s Export Director, noting the significant strides made in bilateral trade in recent years, with Brazil currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner in Latin America.

The ambassador’s visit to Sao Paulo is expected to open up new avenues of cooperation, particularly in agriculture, food processing, and investment.