Vietnam Today

Speaking at the Vietnam - Japan cooperation seminar on technology innovation, digital transformation, and supply chain diversification on May 1, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, who visited Vietnam from April 30 to May 1, said that Vietnam holds an increasingly important position in the global supply chain. Out of a total of 92 projects to diversify supply chains supported by Japan in ASEAN, Vietnam ranks first with 39 projects. He also emphasized that the possibility of cooperation between Vietnam and Japan is unlimited.

During an official visit to Vietnam by Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio from April 30 to May 1, the two countries agreed on directions and measures to take the strategic partnership to a new stage of development. Ministries, agencies, localities, and businesses of the two countries exchanged 22 cooperation documents during the visit.

Trade turnover totaled nearly $242.2 billion in the first four months, with exports of $122.36 billion and imports $119.83 billion. Trade was therefore in surplus during the period, to the tune of $2.53 billion, or nearly double the surplus posted in the same period last year.

According to a report from the Ministry of Planning and Investment presented at the regular government meeting on April 29, the socio-economic situation in the month continued to progress in most fields, especially capital investment. FDI stood at $5.92 billion; its highest level since 2018. International organizations such as the WB, the IMF, and the ADB have all made positive evaluations and forecasts on Vietnam’s economy.

The index of industrial production (IIP) in April rose 2 per cent compared to March while increasing 7.5 per cent year-on-year in the first four months.

The General Statistics Office has said the consumer price index (CPI) increased 0.18 per cent in April against March and 2.64 per cent year-on-year. It rose 2.1 per cent year-on-year in the first four months; lower than the rate posted in the first four months in all of the 2017-2020 period.