In the context of the global economy still facing many uncertainties due to geopolitical conflicts, epidemics and trade protectionism, finding solutions to expand markets, reduce dependence and establish sustainable supply chains is an urgent requirement for developing countries, including Vietnam.
Following the success of previous years, from September 4 to 6, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade continues to coordinate to organize the event series "Connecting international supply chains - Vietnam International Sourcing & Ho Chi Minh City Export Forum 2025", in conjunction with the Ho Chi Minh City International Tourism Fair at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC). This is expected to be the leading event to promote trade, investment and tourism between Vietnam and the world, especially the Latin American market.
Bridge for agricultural, aquatic and food processing products
Organized within the framework of the international connection activities, Vietnam Sourcing Expo is not only a simple trade event but also a place to realize political commitments through specific connections between businesses and global buyers.
In particular, in 2025, the exhibition attracted the participation of a delegation of 20 businesses and buyers from Brazil - the country with the largest economy in Latin America.
Vietnam's agricultural, aquatic and processed food products continue to be the focus of interest for Brazilian businesses
Ms. Pham Hong Trang - First Secretary, Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Brazil said that the presence of Brazilian businesses at Vietnam Sourcing Expo shows the increasingly deep interest from this region in Vietnam's supply chain and production capacity.
Among them, many big names have confirmed their participation such as: Mar E Rio Pescados, De Marchi, American Nutrients do Brasil LTDA, GreenLife Solution, Cecil Group, Timbro Trading, Slot International LTD, along with trade representative organizations such as the Vietnam - Brazil Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BVCCI)...
Notably, Vietnamese agricultural, aquatic and processed food products continue to be the focus of interest for Brazilian businesses. Mar E Rio Pescados Company, Brazil's leading distributor in the field of aquatic, seafood and food products, is currently importing pangasius, tilapia, tuna, shrimp, rice from Vietnam and has plans to expand its product portfolio.
BVCCI also emphasized the potential for cooperation in the fields of rice, rubber, aquatic products, plastic products, furniture, chemicals and industrial equipment, and at the same time wishes to promote the import of agricultural products, processed foods, machinery, industrial equipment, construction materials... from Vietnam. These are all industries with Vietnam's export strengths and are suitable for consumer demand in the Brazilian market.
According to Ms. Pham Hong Trang, meeting directly at Vietnam Sourcing Expo will promote B2B connections, support businesses of the two countries to transfer technology, invest, sign export contracts and build a stable and sustainable bilateral supply chain.
Towards the Vietnam - Brazil FTA
Sharing more, Ms. Pham Hong Trang affirmed that Vietnam Sourcing Expo plays the role of an "extended arm" of the integration policy. This event is a tool to help realize the results achieved during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to Brazil in July 2025, notably the handover ceremony of the first batch of Brazilian beef exported to Vietnam and vice versa, and Vietnamese tra fish and tilapia exported to Brazil.
This cooperation activity not only demonstrates the substantive cooperation between the two countries, but is also an important premise in negotiating the FTA between Vietnam and the Mercosur bloc, led by Brazil. When this agreement is realized, the business communities of the two countries will benefit from preferential tariffs, technical barriers and bilateral investment protection mechanisms.
Direct meetings at Vietnam Sourcing Expo will promote B2B connections, supporting Vietnamese - Brazilian enterprises in technology transfer and investment
Also according to information from the Vietnam Trade Office in Brazil, in the first 5 months of 2025, Vietnam - Brazil trade turnover reached 3.33 billion USD, down slightly by 5% compared to the same period last year.
Of which, Vietnam's exports reached 1.11 billion USD, down 2.2%; Imports reached 2.2 billion USD, down 6.3%. Vietnam's main export items include: seafood, rubber, textiles, footwear, iron and steel. In contrast, Vietnam imports agricultural products from Brazil, especially soybeans, wheat, corn, animal feed, cotton of all kinds... items that play an important role in the supply chain and food security. Ms. Pham Hong Trang commented: "Vietnam and Brazil can complement each other in economic cooperation. If Vietnam is strong in production, processing, and logistics, Brazil has advantages in input materials, agricultural technology, and a huge consumer market."
In the context of global trade fluctuations due to technical barriers and protectionist policies, finding alternative markets is an important goal for Vietnam. With a population of 213 million and a stable economic growth, Brazil is emerging as a potential partner in Vietnam's strategy of diversifying markets and supply chains.
Products with potential to promote exports include: Seafood, textiles, footwear, processed foods, mechanical products, spare parts, means of transport, etc. At the same time, activities such as Vietnam Sourcing Expo not only expand trade channels, but are also an opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to improve their competitiveness, access international standards, thereby participating more deeply in the global value chain.
Brazil is currently a member of the South American Common Market (Mercosur) including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay. This is a very potential market for Vietnam's export products such as garments, footwear, handicrafts, processed foods.
At the same time, Brazil can become a bridge to help Vietnam access the markets of Latin American countries as well as Mercosur. In return, Vietnam will help Brazil access the large ASEAN market with more than 650 million people and a larger market with 800 million people of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).