The event was co-organized for the first time by the Vietnamese Consulates General in Fukuoka (Japan) and Khon Kaen (Thailand), in collaboration with business associations, Vietnamese community organizations, and networks of Vietnamese entrepreneurs in Japan and Thailand.

In her opening remarks, Vietnamese Consul General in Fukuoka, Vu Chi Mai, highlighted the growing challenges, both traditional and emerging, that businesses face in today’s global landscape. She emphasized that whether domestically or internationally, Vietnamese entrepreneurs must navigate these difficulties and seize opportunities for growth.

The forum provided a valuable platform for businesses to explore new markets, enhance strategic partnerships, and expand their operations. More importantly, it helped elevate the presence of the Vietnamese business community on the international stage, strengthening ties with the homeland and preserving cultural heritage.

With over 100 participating enterprises, primarily Vietnamese businesses operating in Thailand and Japan, the forum focused on potential investment opportunities in all three countries. Key sectors of interest included tourism, logistics, food production and processing, technology and innovation, renewable energy, supporting industries, and electronic components. These industries are expected to drive greater economic integration among Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan.

Vietnamese Consul General in Khon Kaen, Dinh Hoang Linh, emphasized the deep cultural connections between the three nations, underpinned by a thriving landscape of cultural exchanges and business cooperation. He pointed out that Fukuoka, northeastern Thailand, and central Vietnam could form a powerful economic triangle as a way of boosting regional development.

A highlight of the forum was the signing of four cooperation agreements between Thai and Japanese enterprises, covering business network development, human resource training, and trilateral trade and investment promotion between Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Vu Hoang Duc, chairman of the Vietnam-Japan Economic Cooperation Promotion Association, announced that following the forum, his association would immediately launch initiatives to bolster Vietnamese and Thai exports to Japan, alongside technology transfers in high-tech food processing. Meanwhile, Ho Van Lam, chairman of the Thai - Vietnamese Business Association in Thailand, hailed the forum’s success, stating that it would open new doors for Thai-Vietnamese entrepreneurs seeking to expand in Japan.

Trade forum looks to expand supply chain to EU

In the context of supply chain fluctuations, the European Union (EU) is promoting the diversification of supplies and choosing Vietnam as a strategic destination in the Asia–Pacific region, heard a trade forum in Ho Chi Minh City.