Vietnam and Japan strengthen strategic partnership in critical sectors

Rewritten Article:

Hà Nội is buzzing following Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính's speech at the Việt Nam-Japan Cooperation Forum. Here's a lowdown on what went down!

In today's evolving world, filled with geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, and climate issues, our Prime Minister accentuated the necessity of Việt Nam and Japan assuming a pioneering role in promoting cooperation on technological innovation, digital transformation, and the semiconductor industry.

With a shared vision for catalyzing growth, PM Chính encouraged the Japanese government to continue offering support for Việt Nam, focusing on high-tech industries and innovation. He also welcomed more investment from Japan, particularly in strategic sectors.

On the other side of the table, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru commended the historical role Japan's manufacturing sector played in Việt Nam's economic growth and praised Việt Nam's potential as a promising investment destination.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính delivered a speech at the Việt Nam-Japan Cooperation Forum held in Hà Nội on Monday. VNA/VNS Photo

Kicking off the business talks, leading enterprises from both countries unveiled their collaborative plans in areas such as technology, green transformation, and semiconductor development. Japanese businesses also lauded Việt Nam's improved investment environment and the support they've received from local agencies.

As of March, Japan had over 5,500 valid projects in Việt Nam with a total capital of nearly US$78.6 billion, primarily focusing on manufacturing, processing, energy, and high-tech industries. In the first quarter of this year, investment capital from Japan increased by over 20% year-on-year, signaling a promising new phase of cooperation.

Behind the scenes, collaborative efforts are underway in various areas, including offshore wind power development, upgrading electricity transmission networks, and biomass energy initiatives.

In the shadow of this booming collaboration, it's clear that Việt Nam and Japan are not just aiming for growth – they're out to get it with strategic, high-tech innovation, green transformation, and semiconductor development.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru witnessed the signing of an investment cooperation agreement between businesses from the two countries. VNA/VNS Photo

Behind the Scenes

Digital Transformation: With the aim of having a digital economy contributing to at least 30% of GDP by 2030, both countries are focusing on digital transformation (DX) as a key area for cooperation[1][5].
Semiconductor Development: Japan is launching a semiconductor technology engineer training program at Vietnam-Japan University and supporting Vietnam’s national target for semiconductor development by hosting doctoral researchers[1].
Green Transition: Both countries are actively pursuing initiatives in offshore wind power, power transmission networks, biomass energy, and other green technologies to support Vietnam’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050[1][4].

Looking Forward

Education and Research: Japan will continue supporting high-quality human resource training and increase scholarships for Vietnamese students and researchers[4]. Additionally, Japan plans to enhance cooperation between research institutions and promote joint research projects, especially in semiconductors[4].
Economic and Technological Collaboration: The National Innovation Center (NIC) and Hiroshima University will collaborate on human resource development for the semiconductor industry and technology transfer[2]. Japan has also proposed implementing 15 energy transition projects worth over $20 billion[4].
Environmental Initiatives: Japan will promote carbon reduction in Vietnam’s industrial parks and support green transition initiatives through expanded public-private partnerships[1][4].
Meeting and Mechanisms: The countries plan to convene the 5th meeting of the Joint Committee on Science and Technology in 2026 to further enhance cooperation mechanisms[4].

With this alignment of interests, it's no wonder that the collaboration between Việt Nam and Japan is set to strengthen even further in strategic high-tech sectors, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

The government of Việt Nam and Japan are emphasizing the importance of technological innovation and digital transformation as key areas for cooperation.
Japan is facilitating upgrading in Việt Nam's semiconductor industry through a training program and support for Vietnam’s national target for semiconductor development.
Both countries are actively pursuing initiatives in offshore wind power, power transmission networks, biomass energy, and other green technologies to support Việt Nam’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The Japanese government is increasing scholarships for Vietnamese students and researchers, and plans to enhance cooperation between research institutions and promote joint research projects, especially in semiconductors.
The National Innovation Center (NIC) of Japan will collaborate with Hiroshima University on human resource development for the semiconductor industry and technology transfer.
Japan has proposed implementing 15 energy transition projects worth over $20 billion as part of their economic and technological collaboration with Việt Nam.
Japan will promote carbon reduction in Việt Nam’s industrial parks and support green transition initiatives through expanded public-private partnerships.
The cooperation between Việt Nam and Japan will extend to sports as well, with plans to conduct joint training programs in football and other sports, and to facilitate exchange programs between sports organizations.