Strategic Partnership Paves Way for Vietnam - Brazil Relations
	Vietnam - Brazil Relations: Close and Substantive Ties Rooted in People-to-People Foundations

Portuguese-Vietnamese Thematic Dictionary: A Bridge of Language and Culture

The Portuguese-Vietnamese Thematic Dictionary is a highlight among the Association's activities in the 2016-2025 period. Consisting of 20,000 words on 17 practical communication topics, the project has been carried out continuously for 12 years, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the participation of a team of translators and language experts.

According to Nguyen Van Lang, President of the Association, the dictionary not only serves academic purposes but also aims to enhance understanding between the people of the two countries in many fields such as history, politics, science - technology, socio-economics, culture, and sports.

Nguyen Van Lang, President of the Vietnam-Brazil Friendship and Cooperation Association, signed a Portuguese-Vietnamese dictionary for students of the Portuguese Department, Hanoi University. (Photo: Thu Ha)

Unlike traditional dictionaries, the Portuguese-Vietnamese Thematic Dictionary is built based on real-life situations, divided into topics such as daily communication, education, health, administration, commerce, transportation, cuisine, culture, and festivals. The dictionary serves a variety of audiences, from entrepreneurs, researchers, international students, diplomats, and tourists.

The dictionary was introduced in Hanoi in September 2023, right before the Prime Minister's official visit to Brazil. The first 1,500 printed copies were donated to universities, diplomatic agencies, friendship organizations, and partners in Brazil. The project also received support from businesses of the two countries and professional contributions from the Brazilian Embassy in Vietnam.

“We hope that the dictionary will support the Brazilian and Portuguese-speaking communities in Vietnam, as well as Vietnamese people learning Portuguese. This is a practical contribution of the Association to enhance people-to-people exchanges,” said Nguyen Van Lang.

Promote business connections, expanding economic cooperation

To promote the role of people-to-people diplomacy in supporting economic cooperation, the Association has implemented trade promotion and business connection activities between Vietnam and Brazil. These activities were carried out in close coordination with the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, aiming to facilitate the connection of businesses from both countries.

In 2016, the Association invited the then Brazilian Ambassador to Vietnam, Marco Brandao, to Ninh Binh to explore the potential for investment and trade cooperation. In 2017, the Association launched the Vietnam-Brazil Business Club in Dak Lak, a focal point to promote economic exchanges between businesses of the two countries.

Vietnam-Brazil Business Forum organized by the Vietnam-Brazil Friendship and Cooperation Association in coordination with the Vietnam-Brazil Business Club, May 17, 2019.

The Association also facilitated in-depth meetings, such as the working session with Brazilian airline Embraer (May 2017) and the visit to Hoa Lac High-Tech Park by Ambassador Marco Farani (2023). In particular, in 2018, the Association organized a Vietnamese business delegation to visit and work in Brazil, meeting with officials, chambers of commerce, and businesses in Brasilia, São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio de Janeiro.

In March 2024, the Association introduced businesses to participate in the Brazil-Vietnam Business Forum. They also connected with the Brazil-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BVCCI), opening up a direction for substantive cooperation in bilateral investment and trade.

Diversify activities, deepen Vietnam-Brazil friendship and cooperation

Alongside its economic and cultural exchange initiatives, the Association actively engages in foreign information efforts to promote Vietnam’s image in Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, it coordinated the publication of a special edition featuring contributions from seven Brazilian friends and partners. The Association maintains its official fanpage with regular updates on friendship events and people-to-people cooperation activities, enhancing mutual understanding and engagement.

In addition, the Association collaborates in organizing cultural exchange programs in Brazil and facilitates the visits of high-ranking Brazilian delegations to Vietnam, including the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for the Asia-Pacific region.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Pedro de Olivera, Secretary General of the Brazil-Vietnam Friendship Association, during his official visit to Brazil, September 24, 2023. (Photo: VOV)

In 2023, during Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s official visit to Brazil, the Association, in collaboration with the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Central Committee's Commission for External Relations, facilitated a meaningful meeting between the Prime Minister and leaders of the Brazil-Vietnam Friendship Association (ABRAVIET) as well as other Brazilian friends. This engagement led to the establishment of the Brazil-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BVCCI), marking a significant step toward substantive and long-term cooperation between the two nations.

The Association also provided counsel to the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations to recognize and honor Brazilian individuals who have made outstanding contributions to fostering people-to-people ties between Vietnam and Brazil.

Throughout the 2016–2025 period, the Association has remained committed to its established mission, implementing activities aligned with the guidance of the Party, the State, and the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations. It has actively mobilized social resources, embraced innovation in both content and operational methods, and delivered practical programs tailored to the evolving context.

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