The PM put forward the proposal at the first Vietnam–Japan Local Cooperation Forum held in Quang Ninh province, that brought together representatives from 50 localities from Vietnam and Japan.

He noted that Japan has become a leading economic partner for Vietnam, ranking first in ODA and labour cooperation, third in investment, and fourth in trade and tourism. Since the upgrade of relations to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the two countries have strengthened traditional cooperation in diplomacy, defence, labour, economy, education, health care, industry, technology transfer, and human resources training.

Many Vietnamese localities and enterprises are actively expanding investment and operations in Japan, especially in digital transformation, trade, tourism, and healthcare connectivity.

Briefing delegates on Vietnam’s reform achievements over the past four decades, the PM said, the country is determined to remove bottlenecks in institutions, human resources, and infrastructure, focusing on mobilising and efficiently utilising all resources. It is promoting economic restructuring linked with innovation in growth models, considering science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the driving forces for breakthrough development.

He highlighted the strong potential for cooperation between localities in both countries and called for innovative, mutually beneficial projects centred on people and businesses. He encouraged joint efforts in digital technology, AI, smart cities, start-up incubation, and R&D, with Japanese partners lending expertise to help local Vietnamese governments and enterprises build innovation ecosystems and strengthen governance.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to working even harder, always accompanying Japanese investors and localities in Vietnam in the spirit of the “Three Togethers.”

“Together, we listen to and understand the perspectives of businesses, the State, and the people; together, we share a vision and take action to cooperate and support each other for rapid and sustainable development; together, we work, win, enjoy, and grow; together, we share joy, happiness, and pride,” he said.

He called on localities and enterprises of Japan to continue trusting and engaging with Vietnam in its development, and to keep contributing to the prosperity of both countries as well as to the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The PM expressed confidence that the first Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum would mark an important milestone, opening a promising and creative path for cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, to help further advance bilateral relations.

In a message sent to the forum, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed the 2023 upgrade of Japan–Vietnam relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and noted that cooperation is expanding across all fields, including people-to-people exchanges, economy, culture, and security. She highlighted that more than 100 cooperation documents have been signed in the area of inter-locality exchanges.

PM Takaichi affirmed that Japan would continue to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in the reform process to achieve further economic growth. She also noted that the experience and expertise cultivated by Japan’s local governments over many years in areas such as regional revitalisation, industrial promotion, tourism development, and human resource training would serve as valuable support for Vietnam.

She emphasised that the vitality of localities is the vitality of a nation. The dynamism and youthful energy of Vietnam’s localities are expected to provide fresh perspectives and encouragement to Japanese localities, while contributing to Japan’s own regional revitalisation efforts. Once again, she affirmed that both countries can jointly create a sustainable future in the spirit of co-creation.

The first Vietnam–Japan Local Cooperation Forum organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs opened in Quang Ninh province on November 25. This important event aims to concretise the agreement between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and former Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, while promoting direct cooperation between localities of the two countries.

PM encourages Vietnam – Japan local cooperation

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh encouraged local cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, calling on localities and businesses from both countries to actively implement concrete projects, expand investment, and strengthen cultural exchanges, during his reception for Yamamoto Ichita, Governor of Gunma Prefecture.