Vietnam and Brazil are seeking to expand cooperation in renewable energy, biofuels and green transition, as policymakers, researchers and businesses from the two countries gathered at a seminar in Brasília on June 17 to explore new partnership opportunities under the Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

Organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Brazil, the event brought together more than 50 participants from Brazilian government agencies, parliament, research institutes, universities, businesses and localities.

In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi said climate change and energy transition have become urgent global challenges while also serving as key drivers of green growth and economic competitiveness. He reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and highlighted the country's ongoing efforts to implement green growth and energy transition strategies.

The diplomat described Brazil as one of the world's leading renewable energy producers, with strong expertise in ethanol, biodiesel, biomass, wind and solar power. He noted that Brazil's experience is particularly relevant as Vietnam has begun nationwide rollout of E10 biofuel.

He proposed prioritising bilateral cooperation in renewable energy technologies and biofuels, sustainable agriculture, green finance and carbon markets, as well as science, technology and high-quality human resource development.

Vietnamese Trade Counsellor in São Paulo Pham Hong Trang said Vietnam is expected to mobilise about 135 billion USD in investment for its power sector by 2030 and is seeking international partners with advanced technology, management expertise and financial capacity to support the Southeast Asian nation’s energy transition.

She said Vietnam's fast-growing energy market, combined with Brazil's strengths in renewable energy technologies and biofuel development, creates favourable conditions for greater investment, technology transfer and cooperation among their businesses.

For his part, Congressman Inácio Arruda, former Brazilian Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, highlighted Brazil's achievements in deep-water oil and gas exploration, including pre-salt technologies, alongside its advances in hydropower, wind, solar energy and biofuels.

Renewable energy has played an important role in strengthening Brazil's energy security, creating jobs and promoting sustainable development, he said, adding that Vietnam and Brazil have significant potential to expand cooperation in the fields of energy, science, technology and innovation towards a mutually green, sustainable, and prosperous future.

Camila Olsen, Coordinator for International Affairs at Brazil's Ministry of Mines and Energy, shared the country's experience in developing policies for a just energy transition.

Meanwhile, Helberth Oliveira, Director of Coop Ethanol, outlined opportunities for cooperation between the two nations in ethanol and biofuels, including a proposal to explore pilot projects producing biofuels from sweet potatoes.

The seminar formed part of efforts to implement the Vietnam–Brazil Strategic Partnership while providing a platform for government agencies, businesses and experts from both countries to exchange experience, build partnerships and promote new initiatives in renewable energy and green transition./.