Vietnam, Japan agree to deepen economic ties, target $80 billion trade by 2030

The two leaders agreed to promote high-quality Japanese investment in Vietnam, accompanied by technology transfer and the training of highly skilled personnel, while expanding next-generation official development assistance cooperation in areas such as AI, semiconductors, energy, digital transformation and the green transition.

PM Takaichi confirmed that Vietnam is a priority partner in Japan's foreign policy and that efforts would be made to help implement its new growth strategy.

Meanwhile, the top Vietnamese leader said Vietnam consistently regards Japan as one of its most important strategic partners and a sincere, trusted friend in pursuing sustainable development goals. Vietnam supports Japan in playing a more active role in regional and international affairs and in successfully carrying out its new growth strategy.

The two leaders confirmed that the Vietnam–Japan Joint Vision Statement would serve as an important basis for elevating their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level, guided by the vision of a partnership for co-creation and mutual benefit, high-quality growth, strategic autonomy and resilience.

They expressed satisfaction with the substantive development of bilateral ties since their relationship was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. Nearly 80 percent of commitments and agreements between the two countries have been implemented or made progress, they noted.

At the talks, the leaders agreed to maintain high-level exchanges and contacts at all levels, and promote cooperation through Party, State, Government and parliamentary channels, as well as people-to-people exchanges and local-level cooperation. They also underscored the role of the two countries' parliamentary friendship groups and agreed to improve the effectiveness of dialogue mechanisms in diplomacy, defense and security.

Lam welcomed the signing of an agreement to facilitate the implementation of Japan-funded grant aid projects in Vietnam. He called on the two sides to ensure that the Vietnam–Japan University and Cho Ray Hospital projects get under way on schedule.

Takaichi highlighted Vietnam's important role in Japan's efforts to diversify and upgrade its supply chain networks. Japan will create favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to participate more deeply and substantively in supply chains led by Japanese companies, she said.

The Japanese side was also ready to cooperate in ensuring energy security and strengthening energy reserves. The two sides will work to accelerate the implementation of LNG and gas-fired power projects in Vietnam involving Japanese companies, while advancing cooperation on energy reserves under the Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience initiative.

The two leaders also agreed to advance science, technology and innovation as a pillar of bilateral cooperation, with an emphasis on partnership, co-creation and public-private collaboration.

Japan to support Vietnam's plan to train 100 PhD holders in AI

They identified a range of areas for cooperation, including space technology, marine and ocean affairs, AI, digital technology, semiconductors, medical technology, advanced biotechnology, high-tech agriculture and critical minerals. They also agreed to strengthen joint research projects, expand doctoral researcher exchanges under the NEXUS program into semiconductors and AI, and carry out 14 projects under the Joint Crediting Mechanism.

General Secretary and President Lam proposed establishing a network of Vietnamese and Japanese scientists in six fields: robotics, semiconductor chips, energy technology, biotechnology, high-speed rail and quantum technology.

Meanwhile, the Japanese PM said that Japan would actively support Vietnam's plan to train 100 PhD holders in AI.

The two sides agreed to strengthen workforce connectivity and promote people-to-people exchanges, local-level cooperation and collaboration in healthcare, labor and education.

They will work closely to organize the third Vietnam–Japan Local Cooperation Forum in 2027, expand educational and training cooperation and develop highly skilled personnel. They also agreed to promote healthcare collaboration, particularly in elderly care, and accelerate negotiations towards signing a bilateral social security agreement.

The leaders said they would launch consultations on an Agreement on Consular Notification and Access. The top Vietnamese leader also called on Japan to facilitate travel and ease visa requirements for technology engineers from Vietnam.

Takaichi said the Japanese government is developing an information channel to assist Vietnamese citizens who encounter difficulties in Japan.

In anticipation of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the leaders also agreed to launch the Vietnam–Japan Tourism Cooperation Year 2027–2028.

On regional and international issues, the two sides confirmed their commitment to close coordination on matters of common concern and to making positive contributions to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

They agreed to support each other at multilateral and regional forums and organizations, including the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The Japanese PM pledged Japan's support for Vietnam in successfully hosting APEC Year 2027 and expressed her wish to visit Vietnam again soon.

Following the talks, the two leaders adopted the Vietnam–Japan Joint Vision Statement, setting out their shared vision of a partnership for co-creation and mutual benefit, high-quality growth, strategic autonomy and resilience.

They also witnessed the exchange of nine cooperation documents between ministries and agencies of the two countries, covering maritime policy, the environment, energy, education, grant aid and legal affairs.