Before COP30, the meeting set the stage for deepening the Strategic Partnership Action Plan for 2025–2030, focusing on key sectors including agriculture, environmental protection, green transition, and climate change adaptation

Joint action for climate and sustainable development

During the meeting, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh commended Brazil’s proactive role in global climate initiatives, particularly the “Together for action” Declaration designed to enhance international cooperation on forest protection and climate change response. He emphasized that this is an area where Vietnam and Brazil share many similarities and considerable cooperation potential, as both countries possess extensive natural forests and face increasingly severe climate impacts.

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh highlighted Brazil’s expertise in sustainable forest management, data sharing for wildfire monitoring, and community forestry models, noting that these experiences could provide valuable lessons for Vietnam. “The exchange of technology, experience, and risk management models between the two countries will help enhance climate resilience, sustainably conserve natural resources, and improve the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities,” he said.

Ahead of COP30 in Brazil later this year, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh welcomed Brazil’s global climate initiatives, including the “Together for Action” Declaration aimed at strengthening international cooperation on forest protection and climate change response

He also welcomed Brazil’s initiative to establish the Climate Change and Trade Integration Forum within the framework of COP30. The Deputy Minister described it as a forward-looking, strategic initiative that connects climate policy with trade and investment, aligning with global development trends. The Forum is expected to serve as a platform for countries to share green standards, carbon finance mechanisms, and climate-friendly technologies, thereby facilitating business participation in global green value chains.

“Vietnam fully supports expanding dialogue between economic and environmental institutions through mechanisms such as this Forum,” Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh stressed. “It provides an opportunity for developing countries to access resources, technologies, and new markets while promoting a growth model that harmonizes economic interests with environmental objectives.”

Ambassador Marco Farani added that Brazil will host multiple key events during COP30, with the Climate Change and Trade Integration Forum as a highlight. He noted that this is not merely a national initiative but a collective effort to bring trade–climate issues to the forefront of the global agenda. “We hope Vietnam, with its strong commitment and extensive experience in sustainable development, will be an active partner contributing to the Forum’s discussions,” the Ambassador said.

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh also reported that the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is finalizing plans to establish an inter-ministerial delegation to attend COP30, in coordination with other relevant ministries and agencies. The delegation will participate in the Forum and contribute initiatives on low-carbon agriculture, sustainable forest management, and circular economy practices in agriculture. “We see COP30 not only as a global climate platform but also as an opportunity to advance South–South cooperation, where developing countries like Vietnam and Brazil can share experiences and practical solutions,” he added.

Expanding agricultural cooperation and strengthening trade connectivity

Beyond climate issues, agricultural cooperation remains a cornerstone of Vietnam–Brazil relations. Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh emphasized that following Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Brazil in March 2025, the Ministry has worked closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Brazil) to implement concrete cooperation programs. Both sides agreed to regard agriculture as a key pillar for strengthening the Strategic Partnership, ensuring sustainable and substantive outcomes.

Ambassador Marco Farani presented an invitation from Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock to Vietnam’s leadership for the launch of a key COP30 side initiative, followed by a commemorative photo of the delegation

In recent years, the two countries have achieved tangible results in market access. Vietnam has officially allowed the import of Brazilian beef, while Brazil has opened its market to Vietnam’s tilapia and pangasius (basa) products. These measures represent steps to balance trade and expand mutual access to agricultural products between two major producers with complementary strengths.

Ambassador Marco Farani noted that two Brazilian enterprises have already been authorized to export beef to Vietnam and expressed the desire to expand the list. He emphasized that diversifying supply sources would enhance competition, reduce costs, and bring direct benefits to Vietnamese consumers. “We appreciate the cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam in facilitating Brazilian enterprises’ market participation, and we are fully committed to complying with food safety and traceability standards,” he stated.

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh acknowledged the Ambassador’s proposal and tasked the Department of International Cooperation to coordinate with technical units of the Ministry to continue discussions and resolve procedural and technical barriers for bilateral agricultural trade. He stressed that agricultural cooperation is not merely about trade; it also provides a foundation for exchanging experiences in technological innovation, climate-resilient crop and livestock development, and advancing green agricultural value chains.

Looking ahead, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh noted that Vietnam aims to deepen collaboration with Brazil in digital agriculture technologies, emission reduction in livestock and crop production, and the joint development of pilot projects on low-carbon and circular economy agriculture. The two countries could also cooperate in training high-quality human resources to support a modern, sustainable agricultural sector.

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh affirmed that Vietnam regards Brazil as a key partner in Latin America, not only in agriculture but also in green transition and sustainable development. He expressed confidence that the bilateral partnership would continue to expand, delivering tangible benefits to citizens and enterprises of both countries.

The meeting concluded in an atmosphere of trust and cooperation, reflecting the shared commitment of Vietnam and Brazil to advance comprehensive collaboration linking agriculture, trade, and climate. Over the 2025–2030 period, both countries aim to jointly develop green, climate-resilient, and inclusive growth models, contributing actively to global efforts for a sustainable planet.

Le Tam - Ngoc Huyen