Japanese and Japanese governments have agreed on collaborations in the fields of semiconductor technology and nuclear energy.
Hanoi's Buzzing Scene - Vieṭnam's Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and his Japanese counterpart Ishiba Shigeru traded warm words and promises of a brighter future during their April 2025 meeting in Hanoi.
Welcoming Ishiba to Viẹt Nam for his inaugural visit in this capacity, Chính took the opportunity to express gratitude for Japan's support in overcoming the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi and battling the COVID-19 pandemic. In return, Ishiba appreciated the warm reception, praising Viẹt Nam's historic leadership and expressing awe at the country's impressive development.
Diving straight into the heart of the matter, Chính shared Viẹt Nam's strategies for industrialization and modernization, including embracing innovation, streamlining bureaucracy, bolstering the private sector, and building an autonomous economy. Finding these ideas intriguing, Ishiba confirmed Japan's commitment to continuing support for Viẹt Nam's progress in various sectors.
Embracing the Future - Heating up the discussion, these old allies laid out five key areas for building a stronger, more effective relationship, grounded in sincerity, friendship, and trust. These boundaries encompass political relations, economic cooperation, human resource connection, security, and science and technology.
our websiteese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (right) and Japanese counterpart Ishiba Shigeru prior to their official talks on April 28. - VNA/VNS Photo
Ishiba promised to deepen economic ties, stimulating vitality and sustainability in the partnership. The two leaders agreed to push for the new-generation ODA cooperation on strategic infrastructure projects and enhance collaboration in trade and investment.
Progress updates and timelines were agreed upon for several high-profile initiatives, such as the Viẹt Nam-Japan University and Chợ Rẫy Hospital II. Additionally, a Medium and Long-term Vision on Agricultural Cooperation was slated for 2025, targeting high-tech agriculture and ensuring food security.
Full Speed Ahead - Addressing the ever-evolving landscape of science and technology, the two leaders identified cooperation in research, innovation, and skilled workforce development as key pillars for the future. Innovations in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and green transition were highlighted as key areas for collaboration.
In a forward-looking move, PM Chính proposed an expansion of a public-private partnership in science and technology, aiming to amplify coordination and cooperation between academic, research, and business entities from both countries.
A view of the talks between heads of the two countries' Governments. - VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang
United front - To ensure a thriving future for the Vietnamese diaspora in Japan, the leaders agreed to work on a Social Insurance Agreement and the development of a Memorandum of Understanding on the new labor program "employment for skills development". Additionally, they sought to expand visa options for Vietnamese travelers, targeting 2 million tourists exchanging visits annually.
Global Impact - Posturing themselves as global players in regional and international forums, the leaders reiterated the importance of upholding the principles of peace, stability, and mutual respect. They also emphasized the critical need for resolving disputes peacefully, such as those in the East Sea, following international law and the United Nations Charter.
Japan pledged to back Viẹt Nam in hosting the APEC Year 2027 and attend the 2025 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Ministerial Meeting in Hà Nội. In response, Viẹt Nam announced its participation in the 2025 Osaka Kansai International Exhibition.
Leaving no stone unturned, the meeting resulted in a flurry of significant agreements in key areas like semiconductors, education, and infrastructure. Japan also committed to supporting Vietnam's green transition, investing in offshore wind power, biomass, and grid interconnection projects under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC).
our websiteese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (right) and Japanese counterpart Ishiba Shigeru at the retreat before their official talks on April 28. - VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang
Enrichment Data:
- 2025 Upgrades: The discussions in April 2025 saw the establishment of a vice-ministerial-level foreign affairs and defense dialogue, strengthening bilateral collaboration in areas like cybersecurity, cyber fraud, and human trafficking[1][2].
- Japan's Plans: Japan committed to training 250 Vietnamese postgraduate students in semiconductor fields, progress on establishing the Vietnam-Japan University using Japanese ODA, and support for their diaspora through legal education and community programs[3].
[1] JAPAN TODAY. (2025, April). Japan, Vietnam likely to reach defense agreement during Shigeru Ishiba's visit, sources say. https://japantoday.com/category/national/japan-vietnam-likely-to-reach-defense-agreement-during-shigeru-ishibas-visit-sources-say
our websiteese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (right) and Japanese counterpart Ishiba Shigeru witnessed the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Ministry of Science and Technology of Việt Nam and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan on research and development cooperation in the field of semiconductors. - VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang
[2] NIKKEI ASIAN REVIEW. (2025, April). Japan and Vietnam aim for 'win-win' in defense pact. https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Asia-at-a-Glance/Japan-and-Vietnam-aim-for-win-win-in-defense-pact
[3] JAPAN TIMES. (2025, April). Japan to continue support for Southeast Asia amid China, US tensions. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/04/25/asia-pacific/japan-southeast-asia-china-us-tensions/
[4] VIET NAM NEWS. (2023, July). PM stresses strong ties with Japan. https://en.vietnamplus.vn/pm-stresses-strong-ties-with-japan/194627.vnp
- The Prime Minister of Viẹt Nam expressed gratitude towards Japan's support in overcoming the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi and battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Ishiba Shigeru praised Viẹt Nam's historic leadership and expressed awe at the country's impressive development.
- Chính shared Viẹt Nam's strategies for industrialization and modernization, including embracing innovation and bolstering the private sector.
- Ishiba confirmed Japan's commitment to continuing support for Viẹt Nam's progress in various sectors.
- The leaders agreed to deepen economic ties, stimulating vitality and sustainability in the partnership.
- They agreed to push for the new-generation ODA cooperation on strategic infrastructure projects and enhance collaboration in trade and investment.
- Progress updates and timelines were agreed upon for several high-profile initiatives, such as the Viẹt Nam-Japan University and Chợ Rẫy Hospital II.
- In a forward-looking move, PM Chính proposed an expansion of a public-private partnership in science and technology.
- To ensure a thriving future for the Vietnamese diaspora in Japan, the leaders agreed to work on a Social Insurance Agreement and the development of a Memorandum of Understanding on the new labor program "employment for skills development".
- The leaders reiterated the importance of upholding the principles of peace, stability, and mutual respect in global affairs.
- Japan pledged to back Viẹt Nam in hosting the APEC Year 2027 and attend the 2025 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Ministerial Meeting in Hà Nội.
- The meeting resulted in a flurry of significant agreements in key areas like semiconductors, education, and infrastructure, and Japan committed to supporting Vietnam's green transition.
