Hanoi aims to enhance comprehensive cooperation with Rio de Janeiro, focusing on economy, investment, cultural exchange, tourism, science and technology, and education, said Nguyen Lan Huong, Chairwoman of the Hanoi Chapter of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee.

At a working session on October 26 with Uirtz Servulo Da Silva, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of Brazil - Rio de Janeiro State (PCdoB), Huong highlighted agriculture, tourism, education, healthcare, high-tech projects, supporting technologies, and biotechnology as the sectors with significant potential added values.

She also expected that the Party Committee of Rio de Janeiro support Hanoi to strengthen its cooperation with Brazilian partners, and co-host cultural events.

Hanoi and Brazil's capital may take turn to host art performances, Huong said.

Hanoi also seeks to collaborate with Rio de Janeiro in applying modern technology to manage, preserve, and promote cultural heritage values, Huong added.

She proposed that Rio de Janeiro, with its comparative advantages in football, tennis, martial arts, and sport dance, work with Hanoi to organize joint training programs and competitions.

Huong expected that this will enhance the skills and abilities for Hanoi athletes to achieve success at international competitions.

Huong also called upon the Rio de Janeiro authorities to continue supporting the Vietnamese community living and working in the region.

Vietnam and Brazil share a close relationship, with many similarities, including a common struggle for independence and national liberation, as well as shared cultural characteristics. The year 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Brazil (May 1989 – May 2024) and 17 years of Comprehensive Partnership (May 2007 – May 2024).

Huong reported that Hanoi's exports to Brazil in 2023 was US$150 million, accounting for 0.9% of the city's total exports, while the city in January-August 2024 saw exports to Brazil estimated at $112 million (also 0.9% of total exports).

Hanoi's imports from Brazil in 2023 totaled $389 million (1% of total imports), with an estimated $214 million in January-August of 2024 (0.8% of total imports).

From January-August, Hanoi welcomed some 19 million tourists, up 12.3% from the same period in 2023. Among them were 8,000 Brazilian visitors, an increase of 54.7% on-year.

Hanoi was recognized as a "City for Peace" by UNESCO in 1999, is a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, and is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic landscapes, historic sites, and unique cultural identity.

Currently, Hanoi has established friendly relations with over 100 cities and capitals worldwide and is a member of numerous prestigious international organizations.

For his part, Uirtz Servulo Da Silva was confident that the discussions between the two sides will help promote the friendly cooperation between Hanoi and Rio de Janeiro, aligning with both sides' potential.

He noted that the Communist Party of Brazil - Rio de Janeiro State has 4,000 members across about 50 cities in the state, with two federal deputies, two state deputies, and four city councilors, alongside leaders in various city halls.

PCdoB in Rio de Janeiro is involved in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as the Ministry of Women. In social movements, PCdoB represents the largest labor union force in the state. PCdoB also supports organizations fighting for women's rights and against racial discrimination.