JICA pledges continued support for Vietnam’s 2045 development goal

Speaking to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on the sidelines of the 11th Vietnam–Japan Festival in Ho Chi Minh City on March 7–8, Kobayashi Yosuke, chief representative of JICA in Vietnam, said the agency hopes to continue supporting the country through major development projects in the coming years.

“We are ready to do everything possible to support Vietnam’s priorities so the country can achieve its long-term goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2045,” Kobayashi said.

He stated that beyond transport infrastructure, JICA is also ready to assist Vietnam in other priority areas including semiconductors, high technology, artificial intelligence, and green transformation.

Kobayashi began his second term as JICA’s chief representative in Vietnam in April 2025, after holding the same position from 2005 to 2009.

Reflecting on the changes he had witnessed between the two assignments, Kobayashi cited the completion of metro line No. 1 and the East–West Highway project, now known as Vo Van Kiet and Mai Chi Tho Boulevards, as among the most visible transformations in Ho Chi Minh City.

Both projects were implemented with official development assistance from Japan.

“Vietnamese people themselves are the driving force behind the country’s development,” Kobayashi said.

“However, we are proud to have accompanied them on that journey.”

He added that the projects have not only improved transportation but also contributed to urban renewal, helping make the southern economic hub more vibrant and attractive.

Kobayashi said JICA is considering further support for expanding metro networks in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Such cooperation would align with Vietnam’s development orientation following the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam in January, he added.

After more than 30 years of engagement in Vietnam, JICA has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting the Southeast Asian country’s development with a people-centered approach.

When he returned to Vietnam for his second term in April 2025, Kobayashi said JICA would continue to serve not only as a provider of development financing but also as a strategic partner supporting Vietnam’s pursuit of a prosperous and sustainable future, according to Nhan Dan (People) newspaper.