Vietnam and Brazil are taking significant steps to enhance their cooperation in digital transformation, particularly in the fields of semiconductor technology and artificial intelligence (AI). A Vietnamese delegation, led by Ambassador Bui Van Nghi, visited Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul state, from August 17 to 19, 2026, to advance the Vietnam-Brazil Strategic Partnership.

The visit aimed to expand cooperation between localities and promote links among agencies, universities, research institutes, and businesses of both countries. During the visit, the delegation held a working session with the microelectronics and semiconductor technology center, CEITEC, where they discussed collaboration in engineer training, expert exchanges, and potential connections between CEITEC and Vietnamese universities and technology companies.

On August 17, the delegation met with Leandro Borges Evaldt, the state secretary for economic and social development. Ambassador Nghi briefed him on Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and highlighted the country's priorities in science and technology, innovation, and international cooperation. They discussed opportunities to connect businesses, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, AI, educational technology, and agro-processing.

During the visit, Nghi emphasized Vietnam's desire for deeper participation in global semiconductor supply chains, noting that CEITEC’s experience could provide a foundation for practical cooperation programs. On August 18, the delegation explored Rio Grande do Sul’s innovation ecosystem and met with Lisiane Lemos, the state secretary for innovation, science, and technology, to discuss policies on science and technology development and startup support.

The two sides identified microelectronics, innovative startups, precision agriculture, and high-tech human resources as priority areas for cooperation. The delegation also visited the Caldeira Institute, a hub for business networking and startup support, expressing interest in connecting Vietnamese startups with the institute’s network.

Later, Nghi met with Porto Alegre Deputy Mayor Betina Worm to discuss establishing a friendly relationship between Porto Alegre and a Vietnamese locality, focusing on smart urban planning, administrative digital transformation, education, culture, tourism, and sustainable development.

A highlight of the visit was the Vietnam-Latin America Forum on Innovation and Digital Transformation, held on August 19, which was jointly organized by the Vietnamese Embassy and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). In his opening remarks, Nghi affirmed that science and technology are key drivers of Vietnam’s development, particularly emphasizing digital infrastructure and the semiconductor industry.

UFRGS Rector Márcia Barbosa praised the forum as a valuable opportunity for local partners to better understand Vietnam’s needs and strengthen links between scientific research and businesses. Three discussion sessions focused on Vietnam’s role in the Global South, AI’s impact on education and human resource development, and the use of big data in precision agriculture.