Strengthening Ties: Vietnam and Japan Cooperation Flourishes

During an official meeting at the Government headquarters in Hanoi, Vietnam's Prime Minister Le Minh Hung engaged with Nagasaki Kotaro, Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, to bolster cooperative efforts between Vietnam and Japan. Key topics of their discussions included trade, agriculture, green energy, investment, and workforce development, underscoring the significance of regional collaborations in the context of the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Both leaders expressed contentment with the ongoing advancement of bilateral relations, emphasizing the growing political trust and economic interchange across various sectors. Japan is recognized as a vital economic ally to Vietnam, ranking high in investment, trade, tourism, labor partnerships, and development aid. They also looked back on the successful recent visit by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, which spurred new avenues for cooperation.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung reiterated Vietnam's commitment to treating Japan as a dependable long-term partner. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between local governments and social exchanges in solidifying bilateral ties. The Prime Minister acknowledged the productive partnerships of Yamanashi Prefecture with Vietnamese provinces such as Quang Tri, Lao Cai, and Tay Ninh, while calling for extended collaborations ahead.

Agriculture emerged prominently during their discussions. The Prime Minister praised Japan's backing of Vietnam's ambitious initiative to cultivate one million hectares of premium low-emission rice. He advocated for enhanced agricultural collaboration through technology exchange, research initiatives, and workforce development. Vietnamese leaders expressed hopes for the swift realization of market access for Japanese grapes and Vietnamese pomelos, thereby boosting agricultural trade.

Conversations also extensively covered green energy and hydrogen development. Yamanashi officials are collaborating with Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and various local businesses to empower renewable energy initiatives. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung encouraged Japanese investment in Vietnam, particularly in clean energy, advanced tech, agriculture, and technical services.

The development of human resources and labor cooperation featured prominently as well. The Prime Minister proposed a strengthened partnership for training skilled workers in sectors such as science, technology, agriculture, and industrial services. He extended gratitude toward the Yamanashi administration for aiding the Vietnamese community residing in the prefecture, requesting continued support in labor regulations, insurance, and social welfare. Notably, about 5,000 Vietnamese individuals currently contribute to economic and cultural exchanges in Yamanashi.

Governor Nagasaki Kotaro expressed Yamanashi Prefecture’s commitment to deepening its relationship with Vietnam. He highlighted the prefecture's fruitful grape and peach industries and voiced optimism about the import of Japanese grapes into Vietnam. The Governor assured ongoing renewable energy collaboration and announced initiatives to ensure Vietnamese residents feel secure and at home in Yamanashi. Both parties acknowledged that local cooperation would be crucial in enhancing Vietnam-Japan relations in the years to come.