Viet Nam, Japan should elevate economic connectivity: Top leader To Lam

To made the above call while addressing the Viet Nam–Japan public-private forum on economic and science and technology cooperation in Tokyo on November 9.

The top Vietnamese leader said, over the past decades, both countries have worked together to build infrastructure projects and develop manufacturing industries, adding that in the decades ahead, the two countries need to join hands in creating new technologies, developing new industries and building new value chains.

To turn this vision into reality, he urged both sides to jointly research, develop and master technologies, making co-creation a new driving force in the bilateral relations.

To Lam underlined the need to strengthen research partnerships, product development and technology commercialization, while prioritizing areas with strong potential and shared benefits, including AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, clean energy and smart industries.

He also called for the establishment of joint research centers, laboratories and technology development programs that link research activities with production needs and market demand.

To Lam called for a decisive shift from technology acquisition and application to joint research and innovation, and from manufacturing products based on existing designs to jointly participating in product design and development.

Japanese businesses should continue expanding high-quality investment in Viet Nam and strengthen cooperation with Vietnamese enterprises in research, design, supporting industries, smart manufacturing and improved management capacity, suggested To Lam.

He also underscored the importance of jointly developing high-quality human resources and knowledge ecosystems, with people at the center of long-term cooperation; strengthening links among the government, educational institutions and businesses; promoting training programs for engineers, technology experts and young scientists; and expanding joint research, expert exchanges and cooperation among leading educational institutions.

Investing in knowledge and younger generations, he noted, is the most enduring investment in the long-term future of Viet Nam–Japan relations.

Both sides should make public-private cooperation an important mechanism for translating their strategic vision into concrete results, said To Lam, calling for exploring the establishment of a Viet Nam–Japan technology co-creation network, identifying priority programs and projects that are feasible and capable of delivering substantive value, and supporting technology commercialization and the development of innovative enterprises.

Viet Nam is committed to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of investors and creating favorable conditions for Japanese businesses, scientists and partners to cooperate, invest, innovate and pursue long-term development in the Southeast Asian country, affirmed To Lam.

He expressed his hope that Japanese businesses would view Viet Nam not merely as an investment destination, manufacturing hub or consumer market, but also as a partner in joint research, technological innovation, product development and expansion into regional and global markets.

On the occasion, the General Secretary and President witnessed the signing ceremony for cooperation documents between Vietnamese and Japanese businesses, ministries and agencies, covering the areas of information technology, AI and semiconductors; energy, renewable energy and green transition; education and training, and scientific research; healthcare; finance and banking, aviation and investment; as well as agriculture, smart transportation and logistics.

Also at the forum, both sides officially announced the 2027–2028 Viet Nam–Japan Tourism Cooperation Year./.