Welcoming the Japanese guest, Trung highlighted the significance of his participation in the forum, which is held for the first time in Vietnam under agreements reached by the two countries’ top leaders.

Trung highly valued the practical cooperation between Gunma and Vietnamese localities in recent years, especially in people-to-people exchanges, education and training, labour mobility, business linkages and investment promotion. He thanked Governor Yamamoto and the Gunma administration for consistently supporting the Vietnamese community living, studying and working in the prefecture.

Trung thanked the Japanese government and localities for providing aid to Vietnam, particularly during the country’s reform and modernisation process.

He affirmed that cooperation between Vietnamese and Japanese localities has become one of the most effective pillars of bilateral relationship.

Looking ahead, the minister encouraged Gunma and other Japanese localities to continue accompanying Vietnam in its new phase of development, with new, substantive, and effective areas of cooperation such as sustainable high-tech agriculture and industry, high-quality human-resource training, as well as expanding into new fields including rare earths, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum science, and other sectors in which Vietnamese localities can support Gunma and other Japanese regions.

Governor Yamamoto said that Gunma sends a business delegation to Vietnam every year to explore cooperation and investment opportunities. Many Gunma enterprises are seeking to expand operations in Vietnam in sectors such as manufacturing equipment, supporting industries, high-tech agriculture and tourism.

Gunma aims to promote practical cooperation models between localities and businesses, particularly in training high-quality human resources to meet the needs of both countries. The Governor stressed that the prefecture will continue programmes to support the Vietnamese community, which he considers an important bridge fostering friendship and cooperation.

Trung affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with Gunma and Vietnamese localities to advance practical and effective partnerships.

PM suggests expanding cooperation with Japan’s Kansai region

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on the Japan - Vietnam Friendship Association in the Kansai region to further boost cooperation in science, technology, and quality workforce training through strengthening connectivity between the region's universities, research institutes with Vietnamese counterparts.