Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Ambassador Bui Van Nghi, the rotating chair of the ASEAN Committee in Brazil, laid stress on the significant untapped potential for cooperation between the Southeast Asian nations and Latin America's largest economy, particularly in the domains of investment, science – technology, sustainable agriculture, digital transformation, and renewable energy.

Nghi recently led a delegation of ASEAN ambassadors to pay a working trip to Belem, the capital of Para state in northern Brazil, during which they had extensive discussions with the city and state leaders, research organisations, and local enterprises. The visit took place as Belem was preparing to host the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30).

At the meetings, the ambassador stressed that ASEAN currently stands as Brazil's fourth-largest trading partner, reflecting the growing importance of the bloc in the country's international relations and economic strategy.

He also noted that Vietnam and Brazil elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership during the G20 Summit in November 2024, adding Brazilian President Lula da Silva's state visit to Vietnam in March this year has opened numerous cooperation avenues for both countries.

He suggested the state’s support for negotiations for a free trade agreement between vietnam and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur).

Governor of Para Helder Barbalho expressed his state's interest in advancing cooperation with ASEAN nations in investment, technological innovation, and sustainable development.

At a meeting with Belem mayor Igor Normando, discussions centred on comprehensive partnerships including investment, exchange of natural products, and cultural and knowledge sharing.

Ambassador Nghi expressed his impression of Belem's commitment to addressing climate change and proposed expanding cooperation in urban planning, tourism, environmental sanitation, and disaster risk management.

The ASEAN ambassadors also had meetings with Belem Council President John Wayne, Secretary of State for Economic Development, Mining and Energy Paulo Bengtson, and representatives from the EMBRAPA Eastern Amazon Research Centre.

The diplomatic engagements not only help strengthen the relations between Vietnam and Brazil but al🍬so marks substantial progress in advancing the ASEAN-Brazil relations towards sustainable development for mutual benefit./.