Promoting local cooperation, deepening Vietnam

Photo caption — Scene of the press conference.

The forum will take place on November 25, 2025, at FLC Ha Long International Convention Center, Quang Ninh province, with the theme "Accompanying comprehensive development - Creating a sustainable future".

The forum was held to concretize the contents agreed upon by the two countries' senior leaders, especially on local-level cooperation, in the context of the strong development of the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Speaking at the press conference, Ms. Le Thi Hong Van, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy , Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of local-level cooperation, which is considered a "very practical and effective cooperation channel" in enhancing economic, investment, trade, tourism, and labor cooperation, while consolidating friendship between the two peoples.

In the overall picture of cooperation between the two countries, cooperation between localities receives support, assistance, and favorable conditions from the governments of the two countries.

This is also considered a practical and effective channel to enhance substantive cooperation in the fields of economics, trade, investment, tourism, labor, and consolidate the foundation of friendship between the people of the two countries.

To date, there have been more than 110 cooperation agreements between localities of the two sides, creating an important foundation to bring Vietnam - Japan relations into depth, practicality and effectiveness.

Regarding the significance of the event, Ms. Le Thi Hong Van stated that the Forum demonstrated the determination and strong support of the leaders of the two countries for strengthening the Vietnam - Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the new situation.

This is also the first time that all 34 provinces/cities of Vietnam have attended after completing the arrangement and reorganization of provincial administrative units. On the Japanese side, the participation of leaders and representatives of 18 localities is expected, with a total estimated number of nearly 800 delegates.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects the Forum to be the first regular dialogue and connection mechanism between localities of the two countries, contributing to enhancing exchanges, sharing of experiences and promoting substantive cooperation, bringing harmonious benefits to both sides.

Besides, the organization of the Forum also aims to promote the proactive role of localities in international integration.

Director Le Thi Hong Van said that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is expected to attend and give an important speech at the Forum.

Also attending on the Vietnamese side were leaders of relevant ministries, branches, agencies, the Vietnamese Ambassador and Consuls General of Vietnam in Japan, leaders and representatives of local departments and branches, as well as corporations, general companies, enterprises and typical experts.

On the Japanese side, the Japanese Prime Minister will send a congratulatory message. At the opening session, the Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam will attend with leaders and representatives of 15 Japanese localities, organizations, associations, businesses from Japan as well as Japanese partners operating in Vietnam.

Mr. Fukuhara Teppei, Counselor of the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, recalled the important historical milestone that in November 2023, the Vietnam - Japan relationship was upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World (CSP). He also shared about Japan's commitment to cooperation in the new period, affirming that Japan will continue to cooperate as a partner in Vietnam's upcoming growth process.

Mr. Fukuhara Teppei said that Japanese enterprises are not only focusing on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but are also expanding their investment to many new centers such as the Red River Delta and the Mekong River Delta, and expressed his hope that the expansion and diversification of investment will help Japan contribute further to the economic development and energy of Vietnamese localities.

On the host local side, Mr. Ho Van Vinh, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Quang Ninh province, and Mr. Nguyen Viet Dung, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province shared about the province's preparations.

According to Mr. Ho Van Vinh, Quang Ninh province has been closely coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Japan to deploy logistics, security and medical preparations. Quang Ninh will organize a number of sideline activities to enhance the Forum, including bilateral meetings with Japanese localities and partners, conferences to promote investment in science and technology development, innovation, digital transformation and field survey programs in key industrial zones as well as Ha Long Bay.

Quang Ninh representative affirmed that the province's goal through this event is to further promote the dynamic image of Vietnam in general and Quang Ninh in particular.

According to the Organizing Committee, the Forum will have an Opening Session, a Plenary Session in the morning and four parallel thematic sessions in the afternoon, focusing on important areas such as trade, investment, high-quality agriculture, human resource development, culture, innovation, digital transformation and climate change response.

Within the framework of the Forum, there will be more than 100 activities connecting and working directly between the parties to seek cooperation opportunities.

A highlight of the Forum is the exhibition area with more than 40 booths displaying typical products of Vietnamese and Japanese localities, along with an area for cultural exchange and experience between the two countries. There will be a space for tea ceremony and introduction of the art of making Dong Ho folk paintings. Quang Ninh will organize a special art program with the theme "Vietnam - Japan Friendship Symphony" on the evening of November 25 at the Vietnam - Japan Friendship Cultural Palace.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/thuc-day-hop-tac-dia-phuong-dua-quan-he-viet-nam-nhat-ban-di-vao-chieu-sau-20251119181824297.htm