Hanoi, Feb. 13 -- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for accelerating negotiations toward the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) while receiving Renato Costa, CEO of Friboi under Brazil's JBS S.A. - one of the world's largest meat processing companies operating in 24 countries, including Vietnam.

At the reception in Hanoi on February 13 which also saw the attendance of Brazilian Ambassador to Vietnam, the Government leader underscored the need to step up trade and investment cooperation to match the potential of both countries and translate into reality their strategic partnership, which was established in November 2024.

Amid shifting global trade dynamics and economi...