Vietnam and Japan have discussed the partnership in digitalization to support the development of the two countries which are in the process of economic recovery.

The idea was raised at a conference held on May 1 on cooperation in technologies, digital transformation, and diversifying supply chains attended by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida.

Vietnam pledged to facilitate the investment of Japan’s firms in their projects in the Southeast Asian country, with a focus on advancing technologies, digital transformation, and diversification of supply chains.

Japan PM Fumio Kishida speaks at the conference on cooperation in technologies, digitalization, and supply chains on May 1. Photo: VGP

Addressing the conference, PM Kishida said both countries have closely partnered with each other in the aforementioned sectors since the launch of three initiatives during the visit paid to Japan by PM Chinh in November 2021.

Kishida stressed the importance of supporting industries, calling them an essential factor for Japanese companies working in Vietnam. For that reason, training experts and engineers are vital for the success of the goal.

He highlighted the role of digitalization in trade and other economic sectors in facilitating businesses on both sides and serving the economic ties.

Diversifying supply chains is another issue of his focus, noting that the Covid-19 pandemic has required stronger engagement of the countries in this endeavor, especially in the context of the increasingly important role of Vietnam in the global supply chains. Up to 39 out of 92 projects resulting from Japan’s supply chain diversification policy in ASEAN are present in Vietnam. 

Potential for the Japan-Vietnam cooperation is limitless, the Japanese PM said at the conference.

Japan PM Fumio Kishida (L) meets General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong on May 1. Photo: MOFA

During his two-day visit to Vietnam, Kishida met General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue, besides holding talks with his counterpart Pham Minh Chinh.

In the meetings with Vietnamese top leaders, both sides affirmed that Vietnam and Japan share many mutual strategic interests while Japan is Vietnam’s leading strategic and trustworthy partner.

Japan is currently one of Vietnam’s biggest investors, trade partners, official development assistance (ODA) providers, tourism source markets, and labor recipient markets. In addition, approximately 450,000 Vietnamese people are Residing in Japan.

The two countries agreed to continue supporting each other in regional and international agendas and exchange international issues of mutual concerns such as the South China Sea, the armed conflict in Ukraine, the response to non-traditional security threats, and regional connectivity. 

Japan PM Fumio Kishida (L) meets Vietnam’s President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on May 1. Photo: MOFA

Japan PM Fumio Kishida (L) and Chairman of Vietnam's National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida in the greeting ceremony in Hanoi on May 1. Photo: VGP

Vietnam and Japan sign 21 agreements during Kishida’s visit. Photo: VGP