Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi urged Brazilian businesses to actively support negotiations for a preferential trade agreement between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market, Mercosur. He said the agreement would help expand market access, increase trade and deepen investment cooperation between the two sides.
Nghi made the call at the 2026 Seafood Show Latin America and during meetings with Brazilian associations, corporations and businesses as part of a working visit to Sao Paulo from October 18 to 22.
Mercosur comprises Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
At meetings with representatives of the Federation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism of the State of Sao Paulo, Fecomercio-SP, and the Federation of Industries of the State of Sao Paulo, FIESP, Nghi said there was significant untapped potential for cooperation between Vietnam and Brazil.
He called on the organisations to strengthen business links, promote business opportunities in Vietnam and support efforts to advance the negotiations.
The two sides also discussed seminars, online business matching sessions and business delegations to make better use of each other's market potential.
Speaking at the 2026 Seafood Show Latin America, the ambassador highlighted the event's role in connecting producers, processors, importers and distributors. These links help Vietnamese businesses expand their presence in Brazil and across Latin America.
Fourteen Vietnamese businesses took part in the event, including nine members of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, VASEP.
On the sidelines of the event, Nghi encouraged Brazilian businesses to increase imports of Vietnamese seafood and build direct links between suppliers and distribution partners.
The two sides also discussed tariffs, product testing and customs clearance times to facilitate trade.
During a meeting with JBS, one of the world's leading meat and animal-based food processors and distributors, Nghi urged the group to expand procurement, diversify its product range and strengthen ties with Vietnamese suppliers.
They examined opportunities to introduce more Vietnamese seafood, food products and processed tropical fruits into JBS's distribution network in Brazil in response to local market demand.
In July 2025, JBS exported its first shipment of Brazilian beef to Vietnam, weighing 27 tonnes. The group also announced plans to invest 100 million USD in building two facilities in Vietnam to process beef, pork and poultry for domestic and Southeast Asian markets.
The diplomat also met Brazilian businesses in the technology, energy, infrastructure and investment sectors. He encouraged stronger cooperation, technology transfer and the development of joint projects.
Some Brazilian companies expressed interest in investment opportunities and joint ventures with Vietnamese partners. They said they planned to send delegations to Vietnam in early 2027 to explore the market.
Vietnam and Brazil elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership in November 2024. VietnamPlus reported that further progress in the negotiations could provide fresh impetus to trade, diversify supply sources and broaden business opportunities for companies on both sides.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
