Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on October 21 for Ichita Yamamoto, Governor of Japan’s Gunma Prefecture during which, both sides welcomed the strong development of the Vietnam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership, while highlighting real achievements, high political trust, and effective co-operation.

Japan remains a key economic partner for Vietnam, leading in ODA and labor cooperation, ranking third in investment, and fourth in trade and tourism.

The visit followed the Prime Minister of Japan’s trip to Vietnam in late April 2025, during which both countries agreed to establish a new cooperation pillar in science, technology, innovation, and high-quality human resource development.

Cooperation at local, cultural, and people-to-people levels has grown closer and more effective. Currently, over 630,000 Vietnamese live and study in Japan, including nearly 16,000 in Gunma, while more than 2,000 Japanese companies operate in Vietnam, serving as a bridge to strengthen bilateral ties.

Welcoming Governor Yamamoto’s fifth visit to Vietnam, PM Chinh praised his support in promoting Gunma’s friendly cooperation with Vietnam, particularly with northern Ninh Binh province, across economic, investment, trade, tourism, human resources, and cultural fields.

Emphasizing “sincerity, goodwill, and trust,” the Government leader called for deepening bilateral cooperation in science and technology, investment, labor, human resource training, cultural exchange, and tourism, producing practical outcomes.

Highlighting Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to decentralize authority to local governments under the principle “localities decide, act, and assume responsibility,” he asked Gunma prefecture continue supporting cooperation with Vietnamese localities, including Ninh Binh, through practical projects and potential new partnerships.

The Government leader invited Gunma to participate in the Vietnam-Japan local forum scheduled for November 2025, while encouraging Gunma enterprises to expand investment in sectors of strength such as aerospace, agriculture, manufacturing, supporting industries, as well as areas Vietnam seeks like innovation, science and technology, digital and green transitions, semiconductors, and high-tech agriculture.

Vietnam will continue reducing legal and administrative hurdles, cutting compliance time and costs by 50% compared with 2024, and promoting digitalization to facilitate investors. Cooperation in high-quality human resource training will also be supported, particularly in innovation, science and technology, semiconductors, and supporting industries. Authorities will continue to assist the Vietnamese community in Gunma, which includes 16,000 residents, students, and workers.

Both countries aim to solidify cultural and people-to-people exchanges, organize joint festivals, and promote the unique cultural heritage and products of both nations.

Governor Yamamoto expressed his honor at visiting Vietnam for the fifth time, wished for a quick recovery of Vietnamese people affected by natural disasters, and praised the Vietnamese community in Gunma for their contributions to the prefecture’s development and bilateral ties. He also noted that many Japanese companies accompanying his visit are keen to invest in Vietnam, while seeking continued support from the Prime Minister and Vietnamese authorizes to deepen cooperation with both localities and businesses.

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