New Vision for Vietnam–Japan relations: Partnership, co-creation, strategic autonomy and mutual benefits
WVR - Ahead of the official visit to Japan, at the invitation of the Japanese State, General Secretary and President To Lam gave an interview to Japan's NHK Television, sharing his vision, discussing the purpose and significance of the visit. The World and Vietnam Report is pleased to present full text of the interview to our readers.
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| General Secretary, President To Lam gives an interview to Japan's NHK Television. (Photo: Nhan dan Newspaper |
Could you please share the main objectives of this official visit to Japan? What are your expectations for the future development of Vietnam-Japan relations, especially in the fields of economy, investment, and human resource development?
I believe this visit to Japan will further realize the potential and results of cooperation, strengthening the bond between the two countries so that the friendship nurtured over generations continues to bring good to the peoples of both nations. Vietnam and Japan have had a long-standing people-to-people exchange relationship for over 400 years. Vietnam always regards Japan as one of its most important and long-term Comprehensive Strategic Partners; appreciating Japan's companionship in achieving Vietnam's two 100-year strategic goals. On this foundation, I wish to work with Japanese leaders to deepen trust, agree on long-term cooperation priorities, and create new momentum for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world.
We are pleased to witness the bilateral trade turnover reaching nearly 50 billion USD in the first 10 months of 2026, aiming to soon realize the figure of 80 billion USD (striving for 100 billion USD) by 2030. Japan currently has about 5,800 investment projects in Vietnam with an effective capital of 80.4 billion USD.
I hope these achievements will continue to be nurtured by the growth of Vietnamese enterprises, the long-term commitment of Japanese businesses, and the creation of higher-value products by both sides.
To achieve this, we hope Japanese businesses will expand their investment, research, and product development in Vietnam, and collaborate more deeply with Vietnamese enterprises in value chains. Cooperation in advanced industries, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and clean energy needs to be linked with human resource training, enhancing technological and management capabilities. For our part, Vietnam values building a transparent, stable, and predictable business environment, promptly addressing legitimate concerns of businesses. Trust needs to be fostered through concrete actions and the success of each cooperative project.
Regarding human resources, what I hope for is that every Vietnamese studying and working in Japan will have the opportunity to accumulate knowledge, enhance skills, develop careers, and have their rights and legitimate interests ensured. We also hope more Japanese experts, scientists, and young people will come to Vietnam to work, research, and start businesses. It is these knowledgeable, trustworthy, and committed individuals who will continue our friendship. I expect the visit will create new momentum for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Japan, for the benefit of the peoples of both countries, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. The new vision will be a partnership of companionship, co-creation, strategic autonomy, effective cooperation, and mutual benefit, for the lives of the people and workers.
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| General Secretary and President To Lam during the interviewed with Japan's NHK Television. (Photo: Chu Van) |
In the context of increasing uncertainty in the international environment, what diplomatic approach will Vietnam adopt to address challenges and aim for rapid and sustainable development in the new phase?
Vietnam chooses a principled approach, proactive in action, and sincere in cooperation. Our national history helps us understand the value of peace and the aspiration to rise. We understand that we cannot wait for the world to become certain before developing; we need to proactively create conditions for the country to continue advancing in a challenging and volatile environment.
Firstly, Vietnam is steadfast in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, resilience, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development; diversifying and multilateralizing external relations; ensuring the highest national interests based on the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter. Strategic autonomy is the ability to decide our development path and have the capacity to implement those decisions. This capacity is built on strong internal resources, the consensus of the people, and extensive, stable international relations. The more the world changes, the more Vietnam values consistency in principles, sincerity in cooperation, and responsibility for its commitments.
We will deepen relations with partners, seek common interests to strengthen ties, and persistently address differences through dialogue and peaceful measures. Diplomacy needs to lead in identifying and preventing risks, maintaining communication channels, and preparing response plans early. Vietnam values the role of the United Nations, ASEAN solidarity, and centrality; ready to contribute to peacekeeping and addressing common challenges. We believe that a nation's position is built on trust and the contributions it makes to the international community.
Regarding development, what we hope for is that every opportunity opened through diplomacy helps the country, people, and businesses enhance their own capabilities. Therefore, cooperation in technology, human resources, green finance, energy, and infrastructure must be linked with institutional reform, enhancing the ability to absorb and master knowledge and technology. We will support businesses in expanding markets, participating more deeply in value chains; diversifying supply sources and partners to reduce vulnerabilities. The effectiveness of integration should be reflected in higher productivity, stronger businesses, and better jobs for the people.
With Japan, I am confident that the foundation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and high political trust will help the two countries continue to accompany, co-create, and share opportunities and responsibilities. What we aim for is a nation with sufficient autonomy and resilience, having trustworthy friends like Japan, and making increasingly practical contributions to the international community. All these efforts stem from the desire for the people of each country to be happier, have conditions to develop their talents, and for future generations to have confidence in the future.
Thank you, General Secretary and President To Lam!
