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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a roundtable discussion with Japanese businesses on August 12. (Source: VGP) |
The period of closest cooperation
In November 2023, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Japan-Vietnam relations were upgraded to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World." Ambassador Ito Naoki noted that bilateral relations are currently at their closest stage of cooperation ever.
The ambassador affirmed that Japanese leaders support the reform path that Vietnam is implementing in the new era, and pledged that Japan will continue to cooperate as an irreplaceable partner to contribute to further promoting Vietnam's development.
In that spirit, Ambassador Ito Naoki highlighted several outstanding achievements between the two countries in Vietnam's new era. Accordingly, only five months have passed since Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba's visit to Vietnam (April 2025), but significant progress has already been made in some areas, and many others promise continued breakthroughs, especially in science and technology, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, digital transformation, and green transformation.
Regarding artificial intelligence, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is collaborating with Professor Yutaka Matsuo's research lab (University of Tokyo) to train AI personnel for Vietnam. On September 17th, Professor Matsuo gave a lecture on AI and entrepreneurship at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, attracting 2,000 students.
In the field of green transformation, the two countries are implementing 15 projects with a total investment of $20 billion, including offshore wind power, gas-fired thermal power, and other renewable energy. Japan is also considering providing a $300 million loan to support Vietnam in this process.
In addition, several strategic infrastructure projects have been and are being implemented, most notably the Yen Xa wastewater treatment plant worth $200 million from Japanese ODA funding, Hanoi's urban railway line No. 2, and the Smart City project in the north of the capital.
Economic and trade cooperation continues to be promoted. Japan's cumulative investment in Vietnam has reached US$80 billion. In 2024, bilateral trade is expected to reach approximately US$50 billion. According to a JETRO survey, there are currently over 2,000 Japanese companies operating in Vietnam, with 60% expecting to expand their business within the next 1-2 years.
On August 12th, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a dialogue with Japanese businesses investing in Vietnam, resulting in the important outcome that Vietnam will allow businesses with machinery that has been in use for more than 10 years to have their investment licenses renewed.
This October, 60 Vietnamese doctoral students will begin their training at five Japanese universities, in collaboration with five Vietnamese universities. Japan plans to train 250 PhDs in semiconductor technology for Vietnam by 2030, contributing to Vietnam's goal of training 500 PhDs in this field. Simultaneously, the Vietnam-Japan University will launch its first undergraduate program in semiconductor technology for 100 students.
Ambassador Ito Naoki concluded that the reforms promoted by the Vietnamese Party and Government are creating favorable opportunities for the development of the Japan-Vietnam economic partnership and fostering deeper cooperation between businesses of the two countries.
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| Party Central Committee Secretary and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung received Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki on September 19. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Let's "continue writing the story of peace"
According to Ambassador Ito Naoki, the Japanese Foreign Minister will soon visit Vietnam and co-chair the Japan-Vietnam Cooperation Committee. Simultaneously, the first meeting of the "2+2" mechanism at the level of Deputy Foreign and Defense Ministers of both countries will be held in Tokyo. Through these dialogues, the two sides will promote cooperation in the defense industry, equipment transfer, and the implementation of Official Development Assistance (OSA) for the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense.
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| Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki at a press conference on September 19. (Photo: PH) |
"Within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the two countries will continue to strengthen cooperation to contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region," Ambassador Ito Naoki emphasized.
Furthermore, cooperation in culture, people-to-people exchanges, and sports continues to be emphasized, contributing to enhanced mutual understanding.
Ambassador Ito Naoki announced that next year, the musical "Princess Anio," depicting the love story between a Japanese merchant and a Vietnamese princess, will be performed in Yokohama. In football, cooperation between the Japan Football Association (JFA) and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is underway, including the sending of coaches to provide support. Next June, top Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale will tour Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Last year, approximately 710,000 Japanese people visited Vietnam, and 620,000 Vietnamese people visited Japan. Both countries aim to increase the number of tourists to 1 million each by 2030, totaling 2 million visitors. Currently, around 630,000 Vietnamese people live in Japan, and Japan hopes this number will also reach 1 million.
Ambassador Ito Naoki said that he recently attended two major celebrations in Vietnam: the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, and the 80th anniversary of National Day.
"I can clearly sense the pride of the Vietnamese people in the achievements they have made and their confidence in the future of their country," said Mr. Ito Naoki.
He stated that Japan will soon have a new prime minister after the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election. Regardless of who the new prime minister is, the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam will always be valued and promoted.
"Japan hopes to continue working alongside Vietnam to write a story of peace with the core values of independence, freedom, and happiness," Ambassador Ito Naoki emphasized.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/52-nam-quan-he-viet-nam-nhat-ban-doi-tac-khong-the-thay-the-vi-hoa-binh-va-khat-vong-phat-trien-328277.html
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