Promoting business connections and expanding Vietnam-Brazil cooperation in São Paulo

Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi speaks at the opening of the Seafood Show Latin America.

The activities focused on expanding the market for Vietnamese goods, resolving trade difficulties, and promoting economic, trade, investment, and technological cooperation between the two countries.

A key activity was attending and speaking at the opening ceremony of the Seafood Show Latin America on the afternoon of October 20. The event, co-organized by Francal Group and Seafood Brasil, attracted approximately 4,500 visitors, bringing together representatives from regulatory agencies, industry associations, and Brazilian seafood production, processing, and distribution businesses, along with international partners.

The Vietnamese delegation included 14 businesses, with 9 members from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), showcasing products and seeking cooperation opportunities in Brazil and Latin America.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi praised the Organizing Committee's efforts in connecting producers, processors, importers, and distributors of seafood, creating opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to gain deeper access to the market and meet the growing demand for Vietnamese seafood in Brazil and Latin America.

The Ambassador introduced Vietnam's production, processing, and export capabilities for seafood, emphasizing the complementary nature of the two markets and the role of the business community in promoting bilateral economic relations. Products such as shrimp, pangasius, tuna, and processed seafood have established a strong position in the international market.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi and Vietnamese seafood businesses at the Seafood Show Latin America 2026.

The Ambassador proposed three areas of cooperation: enhancing direct connections between businesses; strengthening technical coordination to facilitate trade; and expanding investment in the seafood sector. He also called on industry businesses to support the negotiation process of the Vietnam-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), contributing to improved market access conditions and laying the foundation for long-term business cooperation.

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Earlier, on the morning of October 19, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi and the VASEP business delegation met with leaders of JBS Group to discuss the potential for expanding cooperation and introducing more Vietnamese seafood, food, and processed tropical fruits such as dragon fruit, longan, lychee, and rambutan into the distribution system in Brazil.

The ambassador appreciated the cooperative relationship between JBS and Vietnamese businesses, suggesting the group continue to expand procurement, diversify products, and strengthen direct connections with Vietnamese suppliers. He also proposed that JBS collaborate with the embassy and associations to address and resolve trade obstacles, creating conditions for stable and long-term business relations.

Ms. To Thi Tuong Lan, Vice President of VASEP, stated that organizing a delegation of 14 businesses to participate in activities in Brazil demonstrates the interest of Vietnam's seafood industry in this market. In addition to the currently traded items, Vietnamese businesses have the capability to supply deeply processed seafood, value-added products, and Asian foods. VASEP aims to strengthen connections with JBS business units, understand consumer needs and technical requirements to develop suitable products, and expand market share in Brazil.

The Ambassador, Vietnamese Trade Office in São Paulo, and Vietnamese seafood businesses working with JBS Group.

JBS representative Mr. Fabio Baptista positively assessed the capabilities of Vietnamese suppliers after site visits, expressing a desire to strengthen relationships with existing partners and seek new businesses and products. The group introduced its support capabilities through its Asian procurement department and distribution system in Brazil, while also evaluating the Vietnamese market's potential and expressing a desire to expand cooperation with import partners.

Both sides also discussed difficulties related to taxes, inspections, and customs clearance times. JBS noted that some shipments experienced prolonged inspection delays, incurring storage costs and affecting business plans, and proposed continued collaboration with the embassy, VASEP, and relevant agencies to find solutions. The group emphasized that maintaining stable quality and complying with import regulations are crucial foundations for expanding cooperation with Vietnamese businesses.

In the high-tech sector, on October 20, the Ambassador met with Mr. Celso Nunes, CEO of MK Alterosa Group, to discuss production activities in Brazil, cooperation with MK in Vietnam, and plans to expand into the Latin American and Caribbean markets. Mr. Celso Nunes introduced the development direction of smart card, payment, digital identity, SIM, eSIM, and AI-driven camera products, while promoting the exchange of engineers, personnel, and research capabilities between the two countries.

According to MK Alterosa, the company plans to invest approximately USD 30 million from 2027 to 2031 in new development directions. The Ambassador appreciated efforts to connect Vietnam's technological capabilities with the Brazilian market, suggesting the company expand cooperation and product development, contributing to the economic relations between the two countries. The company also invited the ambassador and ASEAN ambassadors in Brasilia to visit the factory in Minas Gerais to learn about production activities and cooperation potential.

On October 21, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi met with Mr. Rubens Medrano, Vice President of the Federation of Trade, Goods, Services, and Tourism of São Paulo State (Fecomercio-SP). The Ambassador emphasized that there is still much room for bilateral trade development, suggesting increased connections between Vietnamese producers and Brazilian importers, distributors, and retailers to diversify goods and better exploit the market potential of both countries.

Both sides discussed the possibility of connecting with Fecomercio-SP's foreign trade contacts, organizing seminars, online connection sessions, and business delegation exchanges. Mr. Rubens Medrano expressed readiness to maintain communication channels, support businesses in understanding the market, and address difficulties with authorities, including customs clearance issues at Santos port. The Ambassador also urged the federation and the business community to support the promotion of negotiations and early signing of the PTA between Vietnam and MERCOSUR.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi working with the Federation of Trade, Goods, Services, and Tourism of São Paulo State (FecomercioSP).

During a meeting with Ambassador Osmar Chohfi, Vice President of the High Council on Foreign Trade of the São Paulo State Federation of Industries (FIESP), Ambassador Bui Van Nghi discussed the potential for expanding industrial, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries. The Ambassador suggested FIESP introduce business opportunities in Vietnam to its member companies and support partner connections in agricultural processing, supporting industries, technology, and clean energy. He also emphasized the role of the business community in promoting the Vietnam-MERCOSUR PTA negotiations. Both sides discussed the possibility of organizing market introduction activities, business connections, and delegation exchanges to seek specific cooperation opportunities.

On October 22, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi met with Mr. Nizar El Ghandour, Director of International Cooperation at FAMBRAS Halal, to discuss potential cooperation in Halal certification and supporting Vietnamese businesses in accessing the Muslim food market. The Ambassador suggested increasing information sharing on standards, certification processes, connecting experts, and organizing business guidance, initially in agricultural, food, and processed seafood sectors. Both sides also discussed the possibility of connecting organizations and businesses to seek cooperation opportunities in Halal product production, processing, and distribution, contributing to diversifying Vietnam's export markets.

On the evening of October 21, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi met with 12 leading Brazilian business leaders in São Paulo, including CSX Holding, Azevedo & Travassos, ETESCO, and Monte Carlo. These businesses operate in various fields such as financial center investment, oil and gas, deep-sea oil exploration drilling, large-scale gas pipeline construction, ethanol and biofuels, mining, cybersecurity, travel, resort real estate, infrastructure construction, and large-scale projects such as highways, railways, hydroelectric dams, and public works.

Attending the meeting were Ms. Tania Dias, Chief of Staff to the Governor, responsible for Economic Development of São Paulo State; Mr. Fernando Garnero, a representative of the leadership of the investment group InvestBrasil; and Mr. Victor Key, President of the Brazil-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce.

At the meeting, Brazilian businesses expressed interest in investment opportunities and joint ventures with Vietnamese partners and announced plans to send a delegation to Vietnam in early 2027 to explore business opportunities.

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