Prime Minister attends Viet Nam–Japan Local Cooperation Forum

The event, themed "Accompanying Development - Creating a Sustainable Future", brought together leaders and representatives of nearly 50 localities, ministries, agencies, businesses and experts from both countries.

It aims to strengthen connections between localities of the two countries, materialize the key areas agreed upon by the two countries' high-ranking leaders, and establish regular dialogue and connectivity mechanisms, helping deepen exchanges, share experience, and advance substantive cooperation that delivers balanced benefits for both sides.

Addressing the event, Pham called for specific initiatives to enhance cultural and tourism links, as well as people-to-people exchanges between the two countries in general and mutual understanding between localities in particular.

He suggested the two sides encourage greater movement of people, jointly organize festivals, develop joint tourism products, open more flight routes, and enhance exchanges among young generations.

The Prime Minister called on both sides to explore and promote cooperation in digital technology, AI, smart cities, startup incubators, and research and development (R&D) centers.

He expressed the hope that Japan would further share its experience and support Vietnamese localities and businesses in building innovation ecosystems, advancing digital transformation in local governments, and enhancing capacity in policy-making and governance in priority areas such as AI, mobile infrastructure, and semiconductors.

The two countries should bolster cooperation in green transition, climate change response, resource management, and disaster prevention and control, noted the leader.

In her pre-recorded message to the forum, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae emphasized that Japan will continue to foster stronger ties with Viet Nam in its efforts to achieve further economic growth.

The Japanese leader expressed her belief that the experience and expertise that Japanese local governments have accumulated over many years in areas such as regional revitalization, industrial promotion, tourism development, and human resource training will serve as a valuable asset for Viet Nam./.