Viet Nam, Chile celebrate 55 years of partnership, agriculture emerges as key pillar

A partnership that continues to grow stronger

Agricultural and livestock cooperation has become a key pillar of Viet Nam-Chile relations, creating more opportunities for Chilean products in the Vietnamese market.

In 2026, Chile and Viet Nam mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, a partnership built on mutual respect, cooperation and a shared vision for development. Over more than half a century, the two countries have steadily strengthened their ties, with agriculture emerging as one of the most dynamic and strategically important areas.

In 2024, Viet Nam and Chile signed a Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation to promote technical exchange, innovation and collaboration on sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

Today, cooperation in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries shows strong complementarity, with Viet Nam’s growing demand for high-quality food matched by Chile’s ability to supply safe and traceable products.

Viet Nam-Chile relations are supported by a solid institutional framework that promotes economic integration and technical cooperation.

The two countries also signed a Free Trade Agreement that came into force in 2014, and both are members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). These agreements have helped facilitate trade and create a stable environment for expanding cooperation.

In agriculture, the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding stands out as an important step in promoting technical exchange, innovation and closer cooperation on animal and plant health inspections. The agreement reflects both countries’ commitment to long-term cooperation to facilitate trade and strengthen food systems.

In addition, Chile opened its Agricultural Attaché Office in Ha Noi in 2024, helping strengthen technical cooperation on the ground, promote dialogue with Vietnamese authorities and support market access efforts.

Trade in agricultural products between Chile and Viet Nam has maintained steady growth, with agricultural and livestock exports rising from 27 million USD in 2021 to 40 million USD in 2025 (based on export port value).

Chile currently exports mainly fresh fruit, seafood and wine to Viet Nam - products that are becoming increasingly familiar to local consumers. Items such as grapes, apples, cherries, salmon and wine have gradually gained a foothold in the Vietnamese market thanks to their consistent quality and compliance with food safety standards.

At the same time, several other products are still undergoing market access negotiations, particularly livestock products and new fruit varieties, indicating significant room for further growth. These developments are expected to diversify export offerings and further deepen bilateral trade relations.

Working together for sustainable agriculture

Beyond trade, Chile and Viet Nam also have strong potential for technical cooperation in agriculture. Both countries face common challenges, including climate change, efficient water resource management and the transition toward more sustainable production models.

Chile has advantages in precision agriculture, water resource management and traceability, while Viet Nam has extensive experience in aquaculture and intensive agricultural production. These complementary capabilities create practical opportunities for exchanging expertise, building capacity and implementing innovative solutions.

After 55 years of diplomatic relations, Chile and Viet Nam are looking toward further deepening cooperation in agriculture. Technical collaboration, trade facilitation and stronger institutional frameworks will continue to be central pillars of their shared agenda.

Agriculture will remain a key driver of the bilateral relationship - not only promoting economic exchange but also serving as an important area of cooperation to address global challenges such as food security, sustainable development and rural development.

Chile reaffirms its commitment to deepening its relationship with Viet Nam and working toward a strategic partnership that delivers tangible benefits for both countries and their productive sectors.