Vietnam seeks shift to co-development in Japanese ties

Speaking at a working session with representatives of Japanese enterprises in Hue, held on September 6 within the framework of the 2nd Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung addressed business operation updates, operational challenges, and policy recommendations aimed at central and local authorities.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung commended the frank and constructive contributions from Japanese investors. He noted that these open discussions demonstrate deep mutual trust, cohesion, and a shared commitment to cooperation between Vietnamese government bodies and the Japanese business sector.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Vietnam is entering a new phase of development requiring rapid and sustainable growth anchored in science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, green transition, and the elevation of productivity and national competitiveness.

To achieve these strategic goals, the Vietnamese Government remains committed to improving the business climate, resolving corporate bottlenecks promptly, and fostering optimal conditions for foreign investors, particularly Japanese enterprises, to expand high-value operations and build lasting supply chain partnerships in Vietnam, the Prime Minister said.

According to reports presented at the meeting, two-way trade between Vietnam and Japan reached $33.7 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up over 16.8 percent year-on-year. Vietnam’s exports to Japan totaled $17.6 billion, representing a 16.6 percent increase, while imports from Japan stood at nearly $16.1 billion, up 17 percent.

Mr. Tsuchibashi Akito, Chairman of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (JCCI), for his part,  affirmed that Japanese enterprises continue to place high trust in Vietnam’s socio-economic stability and long-term development potential.

He confirmed that Japanese firms intend to expand their long-term commitments and expressed a strong desire to partner with Vietnam in modernizing its industrial sector through bilateral “co-creation” frameworks.