Core Points - The negotiation for the Vietnam-Mercosur preferential trade agreement has officially started, marking a significant milestone in Vietnam's economic partnership with the Mercosur countries [1] - The agreement is expected to enhance bilateral trade and strengthen economic ties between Vietnam and South America [1][2] Group 1: Trade Agreement Details - The joint statement regarding the start of negotiations was made during the 67th Mercosur summit held in Brazil on December 20, 2025 [1] - The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Mercosur negotiation team have reached consensus on the negotiation direction, methods, and roadmap [1] - The first round of negotiations is planned for early 2026, with both parties finalizing the scope of negotiation authority [1] Group 2: Trade Statistics - As of November 2025, the total trade volume between Vietnam and Mercosur reached $11.46 billion, remaining stable compared to the same period in 2024 [1] - Vietnam's exports to Mercosur amounted to $3.59 billion, reflecting a growth of 15.9%, while imports from Mercosur were $7.87 billion, showing a decline of 4.8% [1]

Core Viewpoint - Shenzhen Customs has issued Guangdong Province's first "Non-Processed Certificate" for transshipment goods under preferential trade, which is expected to save approximately 12,400 yuan in tariffs for a batch of goods valued at 37,700 yuan when imported into Vietnam [1][3]. Group 1 - The certificate was issued for a batch of whiskey originating from the UK, valued at 37,700 yuan, which will be transshipped through the Qianhai Comprehensive Bonded Zone to Vietnam [3]. - The issuance of the "Non-Processed Certificate" allows the goods to benefit from preferential tariff rates, which is crucial as many trade agreements have strict "direct transport" rules [3]. - The Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone has been attracting multinational companies to establish regional logistics and distribution centers, enhancing supply chain efficiency [3].

Core Points - Iran and Uzbekistan are exploring ways to deepen their economic and trade cooperation, with discussions led by Iran's Trade Promotion Organization and the Deputy Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade [1] Group 1: Economic Cooperation - The expansion of the list of goods under the preferential trade agreement is deemed significant, with 20 items already agreed upon and efforts underway to include more [1] - Barter trade is suggested as a means to circumvent financial restrictions [1] Group 2: Private Sector Involvement - A proposal has been made to establish an Iranian trade company in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to assist the private sector in finding business partners [1] - Both parties aim to address logistics bottlenecks and enhance direct participation from the private sector to strengthen economic ties between Tehran and Tashkent [1]