University of Economics and Business (UEB) under Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) in collaboration with the Asia Future Association (AFA), on October 3 organized the Vietnam–Japan Forum 2025 with the theme “Vietnam–Japan Partnership: Cooperation and development in a changing global context”.

Speaking at the forum, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Thu, Vice Rector of the University of Economics and Business (UEB), emphasized that 2025 marks the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan, and nearly two years since the upgrade of the ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Over the past five decades, Japan has consistently been one of Vietnam’s most important partners across politics, trade, investment, culture, and society.

In 2025, the global economy is facing significant challenges such as geopolitical tensions, the rise of trade protectionism, U.S. reciprocal tariff policy,... “Against this challenge, strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Japan carries profound importance for the socio-economic development of both countries,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thu noted.

Mr. Nakashima Yusuke, Second Secretary, Press and Culture Section, Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, also added that Japan remains committed to accompanying Vietnam through investment cooperation, technology transfer, human resource development, and the building of modern infrastructure, while also recognizing the important role of scholars and businesses from both sides in laying a solid knowledge foundation for long-term collaboration.

“The deeper exchange of knowledge and experience, along with enhanced academic interactions between the two countries, will play a vital role in fostering the partnership and reinforcing the cooperation network in the coming years,” Mr. Yusuke emphasized.

In order to effectively unlock the potential for cooperation between the two countries, Mr. Ta Duc Minh, Vietnamese Trade Counselor in Japan, proposed several concrete directions for Vietnam and Japan to strengthen their collaboration in the near future:

First, Vietnam and Janpan should maximize the benefits of free trade agreements such as Vietnam–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

Second, the two countries should develop sustainable supply chains by deepening cooperation in supporting industries and component manufacturing, thereby ensuring security and mitigating risks.

Third, cross-border e-commerce should be promoted as a new channel to connect small and medium-sized enterprises, while also enabling Vietnamese agricultural products, handicrafts, and consumer goods to swiftly reach Japanese consumers.

Fourth, innovation should be encouraged by enhancing cooperation in research and development, technology start-ups, and digital transformation.

At the same time, the Vietnamese Government needs to continue removing technical barriers, establishing more favorable mechanisms, and accelerating the training of high-quality human resources to meet the needs of Japanese businesses, thereby attracting additional investment flows.

“The companionship of Japan is a powerful driving force for Vietnam to realize its goals of fast and sustainable development. I believe that cooperation opportunities between the two countries will become increasingly diverse and abundant, delivering practical benefits for businesses and people in both nations,” Mr. Minh affirmed.