PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc presents a gift to Brazilian Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply Terresa Cristina Correa in Hanoi, May 17, 2019. (Photo: VNA)

During a reception for Brazilian Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply Terresa Cristina Correa in Hanoi on Friday, PM Phuc suggested that the two countries build specific programs and projects for bilateral cooperation, while encouraging their businesses to set up partnership.

He said Vietnam is willing to serve as a bridge between ASEAN and the Southern Common Market  (Mercosur), and proposed that the two sides work together on studying the possibility of starting negotiations on a Vietnam-Mercosur trade agreement. 

The Brazilian minister said Brazil attaches importance to ties with Vietnam, and her current visit aims to promote cooperation with Vietnam, especially in agriculture. She noted that the presence of representatives from around 20 Brazilian firms in her delegation demonstrates Brazilian businesses’ keen interest in Vietnam. Brazil is Vietnam’s biggest trade partner in Latin America and second biggest in America, just behind the US.