The event attracted key figures including Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki, Chairwoman of the Japan–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance Yuko Obuchi, and over 150 business leaders and investors from both countries.

In his speech, Chairman Man highlighted the strong Vietnam-Japan partnership, which is a model of successful bilateral cooperation built on over 50 years of political trust, cultural affinity, and historical connections. Currently, there are more than 2,500 Japanese businesses operating in Vietnam, and a Vietnamese community of over 600,000 people living in Japan, the second largest among foreign communities in the country.

He underscored the Mekong Delta’s vital role as Vietnam’s rice bowl, contributing approximately 12% of national GDP and producing half of the country’s rice output and nearly all of its rice exports, along with significant aquaculture and fruit production. Institutions such as Can Tho University maintain active collaborations with Japanese universities on agricultural science and rice breeding programmes.

Despite its vast potential, the region faces mounting challenges such as climate change, poor infrastructure, limited regional connectivity, and a lack of skilled human resources and industrial support ecosystems.

The top legislator affirmed Vietnam always considers Japan a leading strategic partner, especially in the fields of economics, investment, and technology transfer. It greatly values Japan’s significant contributions through ODA projects, such as the Can Tho Bridge – a symbol of the two countries’ friendship, the project to upgrade Can Tho University, and many other projects across the Mekong Delta provinces.

The Chairman proposed major directions to promote investment cooperation between Japanese enterprises and the Mekong Delta region in the coming time.

According to him, both sides should focus on key sectors, technology transfer and workforce training, and sustainable development partnership. He said Vietnam encourages Japanese investment in supporting industries, high-tech, digital transformation, clean energy, and smart agriculture.

Beyond capital investment, Vietnam seeks knowledge-sharing and the transfer of modern technologies, especially in green transition, circular economy, and corporate governance. As the country aims to become a high-income economy by 2045, the Mekong Delta plays a vital role in its sustainable development and climate resilience strategy.

“The initiatives such as the Asia Energy Transition Initiative (AETI) and the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) proposed by Japan will receive strong support from the Mekong Delta, especially in renewable energy and environmental protection projects,” stressed the National Assembly Chairman.

Toward a shared prosperous future, he reaffirmed that Vietnam places people at the centre of development, and will not sacrifice social equity for mere economic growth. With the current momentum from administrative restructuring, simplified procedures, and institutional efficiency, he said he is confident that Japanese enterprises will find strong support in Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta.

He called on Japanese companies to join hands in building sustainable value chains, contributing to the long-term prosperity of both countries.

“Today’s conference is not only a platform for connecting businesses but also a valuable opportunity to deepen our strategic partnership,” Chairman Man concluded, expressing hope for deeper cooperation and practical outcomes that benefit both peoples and contribute to regional peace and stability.

Chairwoman Yuko Obuchi expressed her appreciation for the strong participation of Japanese businesses and regional leaders from Mekong Delta provinces. She affirmed her commitment to advancing Japan-Vietnam relations through increased exchange and cooperation.

At the conference, local representatives and Japanese investors exchanged insights on the Mekong Delta’s investment potential and priority sectors, addressing key business concerns.

All delegates acknowledged the region’s enhanced advantages following administrative restructuring, creating new momentum for economic growth and investment. Focused investment in infrastructure, ports, industrial zones, and logistics will foster stronger economic clusters within the region.

The participants expressed confidence that cooperation between Japanese enterprises and the Mekong Delta will continue to grow robustly, leveraging the strong foundation of bilateral relations.

The delegates expressed confidence that, based on the current relationship, cooperation activities between Japanese enterprises and investors and the Mekong Delta will develop vibrantly and strongly.

Party leader calls for stronger Vietnam – Japan economic connectivity

VOV.VN - Enhancing economic connectivity between Vietnam and Japan is a top priority in bilateral relations, Party General Secretary To Lam said during his reception in Hanoi on August 7 for Yuko Obuchi, Japanese Diet member and Chair of the Japan–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance.