Viet Nam welcomes Brazil’s initiative in launching Forum on Climate Change and Trade Integration within COP30

Following Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Brazil in March 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Viet Nam has actively advanced substantive cooperation with Brazilian counterparts in key areas such as agriculture, environmental protection, and green transition. These fields are not only shared priorities but also central pillars in the Action Plan for implementing the Viet Nam - Brazil Strategic Partnership for the 2025 - 2030 period.

“We welcome the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock for taking concrete steps to realize the commitments made by the leaders of both countries, bringing agricultural cooperation to a level that matches its potential,” Deputy Minister Thanh affirmed. “Both sides have achieved significant progress in agricultural market access and will continue to create more favorable conditions for people in both countries to enjoy high-quality agricultural products.”

The Vietnamese Deputy Minister expressed appreciation for Brazil’s global leadership ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will take place in Brazil at the end of this year. He particularly welcomed the country’s initiatives, including the “Act Together” Declaration that promotes international cooperation on forest protection and climate change adaptation.

Deputy Minister Thanh highly valued Brazil’s pioneering role in encouraging the exchange of data, technologies, and experiences related to wildfire prevention and control, risk management, and post-fire ecosystem restoration, pressing challenges faced worldwide, especially by countries with large forest areas. Viet Nam also recognizes Brazil’s efforts to promote integrated and sustainable forest management, emphasizing the importance of community participation and the role of local people as frontline stewards of natural resources.

The Deputy Minister further commended Brazil’s proposal to establish a Forum on Climate Change and Trade Integration within the framework of COP30, describing it as a forward-looking and strategic initiative that reflects the global shift toward green growth, circular economy, emission reduction, and deeper economic integration.

“This Forum will serve as an important platform to link climate policy and trade through the sharing of standards, technologies, and financial mechanisms to support developing countries,” he said. “It will also encourage greater private-sector engagement in global green value chains. I believe the Forum will become an effective bridge between international economic and environmental institutions, contributing to a transformation in growth models that harmonizes economic and environmental benefits.”

Viet Nam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is currently forming an inter-ministerial delegation to participate in COP30, demonstrating the country’s strong commitment to global cooperation on climate action and sustainable development.

During the meeting, Ambassador Marco Farani delivered an invitation letter from the Brazilian Minister of Agriculture and Livestock to Viet Nam’s leaders, inviting them to attend the launch of a key initiative on the sidelines of COP30.

The Ambassador noted that both countries have made progress in opening their agricultural markets. Viet Nam has approved imports of Brazilian beef, while Brazil has granted market access to Vietnamese tilapia and pangasius (basa) fish. Two Brazilian companies have been licensed to export beef to Viet Nam, and Brazil hopes to expand this list to include more qualified exporters.

Expanding the list of exporters to Viet Nam would enhance competition, diversify supply sources, and benefit consumers. The Ambassador also expressed hope for continued support from Viet Nam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to ensure that administrative procedures are carried out smoothly and efficiently.

In response, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh acknowledged Brazil’s proposals and assigned the Department of International Cooperation to work closely with relevant departments within the Ministry to continue discussions with the Brazilian side.

Viet Nam and Brazil officially elevated their relations to a Strategic Partnership in late 2024 and, during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Brazil in March 2025, launched a Joint Action Plan for 2025–2030. The plan identifies four priority pillars: agricultural and livestock cooperation, science and technology, environmental protection and climate change response, and the promotion of green, circular, and low-carbon development.

Two-way trade between the two countries has grown steadily, reaching nearly USD7.7 billion in 2024, up fivefold from a decade earlier. Viet Nam’s main exports to Brazil include seafood, textiles, footwear, machinery, and rubber, while imports consist largely of soybeans, corn, beef, and animal feed ingredients. Both sides aim to raise bilateral trade to USD10 billion by 2030 through streamlined customs procedures, expanded market access, and deeper value-chain integration.