Promoting Vietnam-Kansai economic cooperation in the new era

Consul General Nguyen Truong Son at the meeting with Kankeiren Chairman Masayoshi Matsumoto. (Photo: Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka)

During the meetings, the parties reviewed the strong cooperation journey and discussed strategic directions to elevate the economic and trade relations between Vietnam and the Kansai region to new heights amid global fluctuations.

In discussions with leaders of the two leading economic organizations in the Kansai region, Consul General Nguyen Truong Son introduced the new developments in Vietnam, particularly the two strategic centennial goals for 2030 and 2045, as well as the target of double-digit growth in 2026.

Consul General Nguyen Truong Son presenting a souvenir to Kankeiren Chairman Masayoshi Matsumoto. (Photo: Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka)

The Consul General assessed that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Japan is thriving, clearly reflected in the results of Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's visit to Vietnam in early May.

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In discussions with OCCI Chairman Shingo Torii, Consul General Nguyen Truong Son further shared about the 100-year planning orientation of Hanoi, efforts to improve infrastructure, and the advantages of a young population.

The Consul General emphasized the role of small and medium enterprises in promoting economic cooperation between Osaka and Vietnam, suggesting that OCCI continue to act as a bridge for over 30,000 member enterprises to access the Vietnamese market.

Meeting with Kankeiren Chairman Masayoshi Matsumoto, Consul General Nguyen Truong Son expressed appreciation for the Federation's support since the establishment of the Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka in 1997.

Reflecting on the cooperation journey, the Consul General expressed special appreciation for the vision of Kansai region businesses. As early as the 1990s, when Vietnam was just beginning its renovation process and faced many barriers to international integration, Kyoei Steel Corporation pioneered investment in Vietnam.

In discussions with OCCI Chairman Shingo Torii, Consul General Nguyen Truong Son suggested that OCCI continue to act as a bridge for over 30,000 member enterprises to access the Vietnamese market. (Photo: Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka)

Believing that the success of pioneering enterprises is the strongest assurance for subsequent generations of Kankeiren businesses to confidently expand investment in current key sectors, the Consul General proposed that Kankeiren promote cooperation in high-tech, healthcare, logistics, green technology, and renewable energy sectors.

OCCI Chairman shared about his special "affinity" with Vietnam; recalling his visits to Vietnam and meetings with senior Vietnamese leaders. Appreciating Vietnam's economic growth rate in recent years, Mr. Shingo Torii stated that Vietnam is now a leading economic development hub in ASEAN.

OCCI Chairman committed to continuing close cooperation with the Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka in upcoming investment and trade promotion activities. Additionally, in his role as Vice Chairman of Suntory Holdings, Mr. Torii also shared about Suntory's expansion process in Vietnam and expressed a desire to enhance cooperation in the future.

Reviewing the economic cooperation between Kansai and Vietnam, Kankeiren Chairman affirmed that Kansai businesses always regard Vietnam as a strategic economic partner. Mr. Masayoshi Matsumoto emphasized the trend of businesses in the region increasingly prioritizing the Vietnamese market and actively seeking opportunities to have a more extensive presence in Vietnam to meet the rapid changes in the global supply chain.

Consul General Nguyen Truong Son and OCCI Chairman Shingo Torii taking a commemorative photo with the delegation. (Photo: Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka)

On this occasion, Mr. Masayoshi Matsumoto introduced the World Master Games scheduled to be held in Osaka in May 2027 and expressed his hope that Vietnam will send a delegation to participate in this prestigious event.

Based on the opinions of OCCI and Kankeiren leaders, Consul General Nguyen Truong Son suggested that OCCI and Kankeiren continue to closely coordinate with the Consulate General to research and organize regular exchange mechanisms and large business delegations from the Kansai region to visit Vietnam to seek direct cooperation opportunities. Additionally, they should increase the frequency of joint conferences and seminars to update market information and policies for Vietnamese businesses and localities, and support the Consulate General in finding suitable partners for Vietnamese localities.

On this occasion, Consul General Nguyen Truong Son invited OCCI and Kankeiren leaders to attend the 2nd Vietnam-Japan Local Forum, expected to be held in the third quarter of 2026 in Hue City.

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