Brazil Highlights Economic Opportunities for ASEAN Countries Amid Surge in Infrastructure Investments

Minister of Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filho highlighted Brazil’s investments in airport infrastructure and new economic partnership opportunities with Southeast Asian countries during the launch of the Brazil-ASEAN Parliamentary Front on Thursday (13) at the Chamber of Deputies.

The initiative aims to discuss measures to expand trade between Brazil and the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The bloc ranks as Brazil’s third-largest trading partner, trailing only China and the United States. According to the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services (MDIC), ASEAN countries imported $26.3 billion worth of Brazilian goods in 2024. The bloc consists of Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Vietnam, and Brunei.

The chart below shows the top most exported commodities from Brazil to ASEAN countries, according to information derived from DataLiner. Click on the link below to request a demo.

ASEAN Top Exports | Brazil | 2024 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Minister Silvio Costa Filho emphasized that the potential for partnerships extends beyond traditional sectors. “We are open to engaging with this strategic market not only on agribusiness and animal protein but also on technology and sustainability initiatives.”

According to the minister, civil construction and infrastructure are also key areas of interest. “The year 2025 will be the best in Brazil’s history for concessions. We have investments lined up for ports, airports, highways, and railways, and major ASEAN investors are keen to invest in Brazil. This is the largest concession portfolio in the country’s history, and we will present it to ASEAN at the right moment,” he stated.

Federal Deputy Waldemar Oliveira, president of the Parliamentary Front, noted that expanding trade between Brazil and Southeast Asia will help reduce dependence on traditional economies and strengthen Brazil’s position in the global market.

Largest Infrastructure Program in History

The Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) plans to auction 21 port projects in 2025, attracting nearly R$ 9 billion in investments. By 2026, at least 21 additional projects will be up for bid, including 17 port terminal lease agreements and four waterway concession contracts.

Recognition on the Global Stage

Eduardo Saboia, Secretary for Asia and the Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), noted that Brazil maintains strong trade relations with Indonesia and Vietnam. Recognizing the importance of these ties, President Lula has been invited to attend the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.

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