The event was jointly organized by the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan and the office of Shimomura Hakubun, a member of Japan’s House of Representatives and former minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology at his proposal.

Shimomura is an influential Japanese politician who has been elected to the Lower House 11 times since 1996 and has long shown goodwill toward Vietnam and interest in promoting bilateral ties.

The roundtable discussion was regarded as a practical economic diplomacy event aimed at strengthening information exchanges and practical cooperation between the embassy and Japanese and Vietnamese businesses, organizations and representatives from various circles. Around 50 guests attended the event, representing Japanese circles and agencies from both nations

The discussion is intended to provide updates on Vietnam’s economic situation and new policies, enhance connections between the embassy and Japanese businesses, organizations, associations and various circles, and promote broader cooperation in investment, trade, human resource development and education.

It also sought to help both sides fully tap into their respective strengths and potential while deepening mutual understanding, friendship and people-to-people exchanges.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu gave an overview of Vietnam’s new development context following the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the first session of the 16th National Assembly, while highlighting the strengths and potential of both countries.

“Why have political relations between the two countries developed so well? Perhaps because the two countries have complementary strengths and can support each other’s development,” Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu said.

Sharing the ambassador’s view,  Shimomura Hakubun stressed Japan’s high regard for Vietnam and bilateral relations.

Recently, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae visited Vietnam. This demonstrates Japan’s regard for Vietnam. That regard has existed for a long time and was also evident during the tenure of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. In the future, the two countries will work together in many strategic areas such as security, minerals and energy, Shimomura said.

At the roundtable discussion, participants raised various questions about bilateral cooperation and issues related to the two countries, showing shared interest in Vietnam and expectations for further development of bilateral ties in the future.

The event was seen as opening a new approach to further tightening close ties between Vietnam and Japan in the coming period.

Vietnam, Japan agree to target US$60 billion in bilateral trade by 2030

VOV.VN - Vietnam and Japan agreed to target US$60 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 and raise Japanese investment in Vietnam to US$5 billion per year, following talks between Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and his Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi.

Japanese media praise outcomes of Vietnam-Japan talks

VOV.VN - Major Japanese media outlets on May 2 carried detailed coverage of talks between Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Vietnamese counterpart Le Minh Hung and praised the outcomes.