Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attends Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum, promoting the spirit of 'Three Together' and 'Three More'
WVR - The Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum serves as a platform for localities and businesses from both countries to engage in candid, substantive exchanges, exploring each side's advantages, potential, and strengths. This facilitates the connection and development of new projects, cooperation opportunities, and new partnerships that align with the interests of both parties.
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| Overview of the opening session of the Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum with the participation and directive speech by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
On November 25, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam and the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province, organized the Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum under the theme "Accompanying Comprehensive Development - Creating a Sustainable Future" at the FLC Ha Long International Conference Centre, Quang Ninh Province. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended and delivered a directive speech at the Forum.
The Forum aims to establish the first regular dialogue and connection mechanism between the localities of the two countries, contributing to enhancing exchanges, sharing experiences, and promoting substantive cooperation that brings harmonious benefits to both sides.
Attending the Forum from Vietnam were Member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung; Central Party Committee member and Secretary of the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee Vu Dai Thang; leaders of relevant ministries, agencies, the Vietnamese Ambassador and Consuls General in Japan, leaders and representatives from local departments, sectors, corporations, enterprises, and distinguished experts.
From Japan, Ambassador Ito Naoki; Governor of Gunma Prefecture Yamamoto Ichita attended along with leaders representing localities, businesses from Japan, and Japanese partners operating in Vietnam.
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| Central Party Committee member and Secretary of the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee Vu Dai Thang delivering a speech at the Forum. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Foundation of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
In his welcoming remarks, Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Vu Dai Thang emphasized that local cooperation between the two countries is increasingly developing in many fields, serving as a foundation for deepening and sustaining the Vietnam-Japan relationship. The Forum is an important piece in the overall cooperation between the two countries, offering opportunities for businesses to meet, exchange, and seek cooperation opportunities in various fields such as green transition, renewable energy, semiconductor industry, high technology, healthcare, education...
Highlighting Quang Ninh Province, Vu Dai Thang noted that the province is located in Vietnam's Northeast region, serving as a dynamic growth pole. Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh forms the key economic triangle of the Northern region.
Quang Ninh is likened to a "miniature Vietnam", possessing unique potentials, outstanding opportunities, and competitive advantages for comprehensive development across various fields. It also serves as a gateway for trade, tourism, and international connectivity.
The province's economic growth rate has consistently remained high. From 2015-2020 and by 2025, the average growth is estimated to exceed 10% annually; the economic scale in 2024 is projected to reach 330 trillion VND, approximately 17 times higher than in 2005.
Quang Ninh's development is based on three pillars: "Nature, People, and Culture", combined with the trends of peace, cooperation, and integration. The economic structure is strongly shifting towards industrialization, with rapid growth in processing and manufacturing industries. Administrative reform and improvement of the investment business environment continue to be enhanced, creating significant appeal for foreign investors.
The socio-economic infrastructure system, especially in transportation, urban areas, tourism, and services, is being invested in a synchronized and modern manner, creating momentum for strong development. Currently, the province's population is about 1.5 million, with a continuously improving high-quality workforce.
Regarding the Japanese partner, Vu Dai Thang stated that Quang Ninh Province has maintained a close cooperative relationship with the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam and has always received enthusiastic support from successive Ambassadors, as well as Japanese agencies and organizations.
Japanese ODA projects through the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Japanese organizations have provided substantial resource support to Quang Ninh, contributing effectively and significantly to the province's socio-economic development.
Citing examples such as the Vietnam-Japan Labor Culture Palace and Bai Chay Bridge as evidence of the historical cooperation between Quang Ninh and Japan, Vu Dai Thang affirmed the depth of cooperation between the two sides. Recently, Quang Ninh Province has been engaging in extensive cooperation with many Japanese provinces and cities, including Shiga, Hokkaido, Shizuoka, Tottori...
The exchange and cooperation activities between Quang Ninh Province and Japanese localities have been positive, through high-level delegations and the signing of cooperation agreements in various fields, implementing cultural and artistic exchange programs, notably the Cherry Blossom - Yen Tu Yellow Apricot Festival, and the Hokkaido Festival in Ha Long.
In 2023, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations, Quang Ninh Province and Hokkaido coordinated to organize the Hokkaido Festival in Ha Long, included in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 50th-anniversary project, attracting a large number of people and tourists.
On this occasion, Vu Dai Thang expressed his hope that Quang Ninh Province will continue to receive the attention and support of the governments of both countries, the close guidance of the Vietnamese Government, and the effective cooperation and connection of diplomatic agencies, organizations, and associations from Vietnam and Japan.
With the spirit of "One tree does not make a forest, three trees together make a high mountain", Quang Ninh Province's leadership hopes to continue accompanying and strengthening deep cooperation with Japanese localities, partners, and businesses; together creating new values and positively contributing to the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Japan.
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| Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung speaking at the Forum. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Direct beneficiaries of achievements
Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung expressed honour and gratitude to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who, despite his busy schedule, showed great interest and took the time to attend and deliver a directive speech at the Forum.
Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung emphasized that the first Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum is the first large-scale event aimed at strengthening connections between Vietnamese and Japanese localities. The event is even more significant as it is organized exactly two years after the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world. It is also the first national-level international cooperation event between Vietnamese localities and a partner country after Vietnam officially completed administrative unit arrangements, merging provinces/cities, and applying the two-tier local government model from July 1, 2025.
On this occasion, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung thanked Japan for its companionship, support, and assistance to Vietnam throughout its development journey, evidenced by the presence of Japanese projects and works in most provinces and cities in Vietnam – from major transportation routes, seaports, airports, hospitals, universities to environmental, healthcare, and social welfare projects.
In recent times, the world and regional situations have undergone many epochal changes, with unprecedented issues. In this context, Minister Le Hoai Trung believes that the Vietnam-Japan friendship and cooperation will continue to be a bright spot and a model in Vietnam's bilateral cooperation with international partners. In foreign policy, Vietnam consistently regards Japan as a top and long-term important strategic partner, a trusted and sincere friend accompanying in the new era.
With a foundation of historical ties, cultural resonance, national character similarities, and shared strategic interests, the Vietnam-Japan friendship and cooperation have continued to develop strongly, substantively, effectively, and comprehensively across all fields in recent years.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, strong local development is one of the most practical and sustainable paths to national prosperity. This is also the purpose and spirit of the Vietnam-Japan Cooperation Forum.
"We believe and hope that the localities of the two countries will actively and proactively participate in concretizing and deepening the content of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework between Vietnam and Japan, turning commitments and agreements into specific projects, works, and programs, so that localities themselves will be the direct beneficiaries of the achievements of Vietnam-Japan relations, bringing practical benefits to the people of both countries," Minister Le Hoai Trung emphasized.
Recalling the famous saying of Japanese thinker Yoshida Shoin: "When discussing great matters, start with your own land and people – that is the most solid and sustainable path," Minister Le Hoai Trung hopes the Forum will be a place for localities and businesses of the two countries to engage in candid, substantive exchanges, exploring each side's advantages, potential, and strengths, thereby connecting and building many new projects and cooperation opportunities.
With the spirit of "diplomacy serving development, placing people, localities, and businesses at the center of service," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, along with the three representative agencies in Japan – the Vietnamese Embassy in Tokyo, the Consulate General in Osaka, and Fukuoka – commits to always accompany and provide maximum support to localities and businesses of the two countries in the journey of connection, information sharing, and promoting cooperation, together developing comprehensively, effectively, and sustainably in the future.
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| Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki speaking at the Forum. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Spirit of co-creation shaping a sustainable future
At the Forum, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki emphasized that the event marks a "new step in bilateral cooperation," as 34 provinces and cities of Vietnam and 19 localities and friendship organizations from Japan gather to promote substantive connections between the two countries.
The Ambassador expressed his honor in reading the message from Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, in which the Japanese leader congratulated the first-time event. Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae highly appreciated the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, Quang Ninh Provincial Party Secretary Vu Dai Thang, and representatives from many localities and businesses of both countries.
The message emphasized that the Vietnam-Japan relationship, after being upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (in 2023), has developed strongly in all fields. Over 100 local cooperation documents have been signed; Japan commits to continuing to support Vietnam's reform towards growth, while believing that the long-standing experience of Japanese localities in regional development, industry, tourism, and human resources will bring practical value to Vietnam. Japan hopes that the spirit of "co-creation" between the localities of the two countries will contribute to shaping a sustainable future.
After reading the message, Ambassador Ito Naoki shared additional important content. First, he expressed deep condolences for the losses caused by storms and heavy rains in central and southern Vietnam.
The Ambassador assessed that Vietnam, under the leadership of General Secretary To Lam, is promoting strong reforms towards "a new era." This is the basis for the two countries to further strengthen economic cooperation within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while creating many new opportunities for Japanese businesses to expand investment in Vietnam. He noted that the connection between businesses of the two countries is more vibrant than ever.
The Ambassador emphasized that 2025 is a year marking many important milestones for Vietnam, witnessing a series of large-scale projects being initiated or completed in many localities of Vietnam with the active participation of Japanese businesses. These include the groundbreaking of the AEON Mall in Hai Duong (April); the groundbreaking of the Bac Hanoi Smart City Project by Sumitomo–BRG (August); the groundbreaking of the Eunsa drainage project with ODA funds (August)...
The Japanese diplomat hopes this Forum will further promote local exchanges, increase investment by businesses of the two countries in regions, and open up new cooperation opportunities in community development, industry, and innovation.
"We hope that from today's exchanges, Vietnam-Japan local cooperation will continue to develop strongly, becoming an important driving force to advance the relationship between the two countries further," Ambassador Ito Naoki emphasized.
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivering a directive speech at the Forum. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Together win, Together accompany, Together create the future
In his directive speech at the Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum, Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh welcomed and commended the leaders of nearly 50 localities from Japan and Vietnam, leaders representing ministries, sectors, and businesses of both countries for attending the event.
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to General Secretary To Lam and the Japanese Prime Minister for their congratulatory messages to the Forum and extended condolences to the people affected by floods in central Vietnam.
The Prime Minister highly appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in closely coordinating with Quang Ninh Province and the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam to organize this Forum with a very practical and meaningful theme, clearly reflecting the spirit of cooperation to win together, accompany development, and create a future for peace, stability, and prosperity for both countries.
The Prime Minister affirmed that this is the first large-scale event aimed at promoting local cooperation between the two countries, as well as in local cooperation relations between Vietnam and a partner country, implementing the agreement between him and former Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru during his official visit to Vietnam in April this year.
"We meet here to discuss cooperation for mutual benefit, strengthening trust between the two countries and businesses of both countries," the Prime Minister emphasized.
Welcoming the Forum's theme, affirming rapid but sustainable development. Culture, the characteristic of the relationship between our two countries. In any circumstances, we must care and contribute effectively to the relationship between the two countries, bearing fruit, creating the future together, reflecting practicality, effectiveness, and the relationship between our two countries.
"Six new highlights"
According to the Prime Minister, with a foundation of over 1,300 years of people-to-people exchanges and more than half a century of diplomatic relations since 1973, Vietnam and Japan have jointly nurtured a friendship and cooperation relationship that is increasingly substantive and effective. Japan is a top economic cooperation partner of Vietnam, ranking first in ODA cooperation and labor, third in investment, and fourth in trade and tourism. After two years of upgrading the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the relationship between the two countries has seen many strong developments, reflected in "six new highlights".
First, the two sides have elevated and established many new dialogue and cooperation mechanisms in traditional pillar areas such as diplomacy, defense-security, economy, labor….
Second, economic linkage between the two countries has expanded cooperation into new areas such as digital transformation, green transition, semiconductors…
Third, scientific and technological cooperation is considered a new pillar of bilateral relations, opening up new cooperation space in innovation, semiconductors, energy….
Fourth, cooperation indicators have grown positively, such as two-way trade turnover increasing by over 20%, Japanese investment in Vietnam increasing by more than 8 billion USD, the number of Vietnamese people in Japan increasing by over 20%, with more than 10 pairs of localities signing new cooperation documents.
Fifth, alongside the investment flow from Japan to Vietnam, many Vietnamese localities and businesses are proactively investing and expanding activities in Japan, making practical contributions in digital transformation, trade, tourism, healthcare connectivity, and many other fields.
Sixth, people-to-people exchange cooperation is increasingly effective, the scope of cooperation between the two countries has expanded, not only regionally but also globally.
The Prime Minister highly appreciated the valuable contributions of Japanese localities and businesses to the above cooperation results, as well as to Vietnam's socio-economic development in recent times; affirming that local cooperation and business cooperation are unique features of the Vietnam-Japan relationship, a substantive and effective connection channel, contributing to implementing and concretizing the agreements between the high-level leaders of the two countries.
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| Overview of the opening session of the Forum. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Better jobs, higher income, better skills
Informing the Forum, the Prime Minister stated that entering a new era of development, Vietnam is determined to remove bottlenecks and constraints in institutions, human resources, and infrastructure, focusing on unblocking, mobilizing, and effectively utilizing all resources, promoting economic restructuring linked to renewing the growth model, taking science - technology, innovation, and digital transformation as breakthrough development drivers, contributing to achieving double-digit growth from 2026, advancing the country into an era of prosperous, civilized, and prosperous development, becoming a developed country with high income by 2045.
Sharing about Vietnam's investment business environment, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that the Vietnamese Government continues to focus on decisively and synchronously implementing many solution groups with the spirit of 3 openness: "Open institutions, seamless infrastructure, smart governance".
Among them, a breakthrough in institutions with the spirit of "turning institutions from a bottleneck into a national competitive advantage", "institutions as a driving force, resource, and goal of development", "institutions must go early, go ahead to pave the way for development".
Promoting seamless infrastructure connectivity between provinces, regions, national and international connections in a synchronized and modern direction, including expressway systems, high-speed railways, urban railways, airports, seaports…
Innovating smart governance thinking towards "strict management and development creation, maximizing resources for development", abandoning the mindset of "if you can't manage it, ban it", "if you don't know, don't manage"; promoting decentralization, eliminating unnecessary intermediate levels.
Believing that the potential and cooperation opportunities between Vietnam and Japan remain vast; to further exploit this potential, while enhancing the quality and effectiveness of cooperation between the business community and localities of the two countries, the Prime Minister suggested some major orientations for the two sides to strengthen cooperation.
In this regard, the Prime Minister proposed proactively and creatively leveraging the potentials and complementary factors between the localities of the two countries to promote local cooperation on the principle of "mutual benefit", "one side needs, the other has", for common prosperity. Vietnam has localities needing capital, technology, underdeveloped supporting industries…, while Japan also has localities facing labor shortages, aging populations, and lacking growth drivers…
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh taking a group photo with delegates attending the Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Identifying "businesses and people as the centre, subject, goal, driving force, and main resource of cooperation", the Prime Minister proposed that at this Forum, besides localities, there are hundreds of businesses from both countries striving to seek connection and trade opportunities…
The localities of the two countries focus on listening to businesses to proactively have preferential policies, creating a favorable environment for businesses of both countries to connect and invest, while ensuring that people are the main beneficiaries of cooperation in the spirit of 3 more: Better jobs, higher income, better skills.
Calling on Japanese localities and businesses to continue trusting and staying connected with Vietnam in the development process; continuously contributing to the prosperity of the two nations as well as the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Japan, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh believes that the first Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum will be an important milestone, creating a "new push" opening a promising and creative cooperation journey between Vietnam and Japan, contributing to further developing the bilateral relationship according to the motto "sincere - emotional - trustworthy - substantive - effective - mutually beneficial", as desired and aspired by both countries and peoples.
| The Forum with the theme "Accompanying Comprehensive Development - Creating a Sustainable Future" includes the Opening Session, Plenary Session in the morning, and 4 parallel thematic sessions in the afternoon, focusing on important areas such as trade, investment, high-quality agriculture, human resource development, culture, innovation, digital transformation, and climate change response. Within the framework of the Forum, there are over 100 direct connection and working activities between parties to seek cooperation opportunities. A highlight of the Forum is the Exhibition area with more than 40 booths showcasing the distinctive products of Vietnamese and Japanese localities, along with a cultural exchange experience area of the two countries. There is also a tea ceremony space, introducing the art of making Dong Ho folk paintings. |
