Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi stressed that since President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the country has overcome historic challenges — from wars against colonialism and imperialism, national liberation, and reunification, to national construction, defence, renewal processes, and international integration.
With an independent, self-reliant, peaceful, friendly, cooperative, and development-oriented foreign policy, along with proactive and active international integration, Viet Nam now has diplomatic relations with 194 countries, comprehensive and strategic partnerships with 38 nations, and is an active member of over 70 international and regional organisations. It has signed 17 free trade agreements (FTAs), including many new-generation FTAs covering over 60 countries and territories. Since August 1, 2025, Viet Nam has expanded visa exemptions to 24 countries to boost international integration, tourism, and economic growth.
In defence, Viet Nam has built a regular, elite, and increasingly modernised people’s armed force, with defence cooperation established with 60 countries, including major powers. The nation maintains defence attaché offices in 35 countries and promotes modernisation, training, and technology transfer in its armed forces.
Economically, Viet Nam has made remarkable strides, transforming from a war-torn, underdeveloped nation into the world’s 32nd-largest economy and 25th in purchasing power parity, with GDP projected at 490 billion USD in 2025 and average annual growth of 6–7%. Its trade turnover in the first seven months of 2025 reached 514.7 billion USD, with a trade surplus of 10.18 billion USD, and FDI inflows of 24.09 billion USD focusing on high technology and renewable energy. The multidimensional poverty rate dropped to 4.06%.
In social development, primary school enrolment stands at 99%, secondary at 95%, life expectancy has risen to 75, and international tourist arrivals reached 17.5 million in 2024.
Viet Nam has also undertaken its most significant administrative reform in modern history since July 1, 2025, streamlining the state apparatus by cutting provincial-level units from 63 to 34, shifting to a two-tier local government model, enhancing governance efficiency, serving people and businesses, and creating a favourable environment for sustainable economic growth. The GDP growth target for 2025 is set at 8% or higher, aiming for double-digit growth during 2026–2030.
Regarding Viet Nam–Brazil relations, Ambassador Nghi noted robust development across multiple sectors in recent years. Bilateral trade reached 7.98 billion USD in 2024, with Viet Nam exporting footwear, textiles, electronics, and coffee, and importing agricultural raw materials, beef, cotton, and cereals from Brazil. Official and state-level visits have deepened relations and launched cooperative projects, including the first shipments of pangasius, tilapia, and beef between the two countries.
Beyond economics and diplomacy, cultural and sports cooperation has also flourished. The Vietnamese Embassy in Brazil has organised numerous cultural, artistic, and culinary promotion events; marked significant milestones such as 35 years of diplomatic relations, 17 years of comprehensive partnership, the 50th anniversary of the liberation and reunification of the South, the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam Day in Brazil (November 2024), and unveiled a plaque honouring President Ho Chi Minh in Rio de Janeiro during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s attendance at the G20 Summit (November 2024). Sports cooperation, particularly in football, has advanced significantly, with agreements signed between the Viet Nam Football Federation and the Brazilian Football Confederation, as well as between Ho Chi Minh City Football Club and Gremio Football Club.
