HANOI — Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam hosted Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi, affirming the country’s regard for Japan as a consistent and crucial partner in its long-term development strategy.
According to Vietnam News Agency, both the Vietnamese leader and the Japanese minister expressed satisfaction with the growth of the Vietnam – Japan extensive strategic partnership, highlighting multiple areas of progressive collaboration. They aim to strengthen this relationship to benefit regional and international peace and development.
PM Chinh urged the enhancement of political trust through frequent visits and exchanges at various government levels. He advocated for more interaction between communities and businesses of both nations and for people-to-people exchanges, suggesting Japan consider a more lenient visa policy for Vietnamese citizens. Additionally, he requested favorable conditions for the Vietnamese population residing in Japan, currently estimated to be around 500,000.
The Vietnamese Prime Minister appealed for Japan’s backing in Vietnam’s industrialisation and modernisation endeavors, and to help build an economy that is independent, self-reliant, and actively integrated into the global economy. Chinh solicited assistance for Vietnam in environmental sustainability, digital and technological transformation, and innovation, particularly in high technology and semiconductor industries, as well as the pharmaceutical and medical sectors.
PM Chinh also requested Japan’s aid in helping Vietnam become more involved in global supply chains, continue to open its markets for Vietnamese agricultural and aquatic products, and support the development of various sectors through human resource training, technology transfer, and capital investment.
A focal point of the discussion was the request for Japan’s support with the provision of new-generation official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam, particularly for large strategic infrastructure projects like the North – South high-speed railway.
Minister Nishimura conveyed the positive outcomes of the sixth meeting of the Joint Committee for industrial, trade, and energy cooperation. He affirmed Japan’s support for Vietnam’s aspirations to become a modern and industrialised country by 2045, to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and to develop industries for the future. He also introduced the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative proposed by Japan.
Japan committed to deepening cooperation with Vietnam through working groups targeting various sectors, particularly in technology transfer and manpower training. Minister Nishimura also highlighted Japan’s intention to invest in leading industries within Vietnam, such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and fishery processing, as well as collaboration in rare earth element industries.
PM Chinh praised the Joint Committee’s meeting outcomes and the establishment of cooperative working groups, urging effective implementation of their joint statement.
He reassured that Vietnam will provide optimal conditions for Japanese investment and collaboration, ensuring sustainable development and mutual benefits. Vietnam is also poised to support and implement the AZEC initiative, contributing to the initiative’s success.