Viet Nam seeks Japan’s support in science and technology infrastructure development

During a reception in Ha Noi for Japan's Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Hayashi Yoshimasa, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the strong, comprehensive and increasingly substantive development of the Viet Nam-Japan bilateral ties, built on a high level of political trust.

He noted that Japan remains Viet Nam's leading partner in official development assistance (ODA) and labor cooperation, its third-largest foreign investor, and its fourth-largest partner in trade and tourism. Cooperation between localities of the two countries continues to expand, while Japan is also among Viet Nam's most important strategic partners in science and technology, digital transformation, innovation, and high-quality human resource development.

Pham called on Minister Hayashi to further promote bilateral cooperation and strengthen political trust through increased exchanges of high-level and all-level delegations. He also asked the minister to convey his invitation to Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to visit Viet Nam in 2026.

The Prime Minister said Viet Nam is targeting double-digit economic growth in the coming period, pursuing rapid and sustainable development based on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, which it considers an objective requirement, a strategic choice, and a top priority. Viet Nam is accelerating national digital transformation, developing modern digital infrastructure, and promoting artificial intelligence and big data.

Pham proposed that Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications continue close coordination with Vietnamese ministries and agencies in governance and management, and support Viet Nam in planning and developing science and technology infrastructure, including digital infrastructure, technology transfer, and training high-quality human resources such as managers, experts, scientists, and skilled workers.

He also suggested both countries share experience in governance, strengthen information security and safety, build policy frameworks, expand cooperation in high-tech agriculture, create more favorable conditions for Japanese enterprises to invest in research and development (R&D) in Viet Nam, and promote stronger cooperation between localities.

The Prime Minister underscored the need for the two sides to sign cooperation documents to implement specific projects in a timely, decisive and efficient manner. He also called on the Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam to help advance bilateral agreements and commitments.

Pham also expressed hope that Japan would continue to create favorable conditions for approximately 600,000 Vietnamese people living, studying and working in Japan.

For his part, Minister Hayashi expressed sympathy over the losses Viet Nam has suffered from recent natural disasters, and praised Vietnamese workers in Japan for their positive contributions to the development and prosperity of both countries.

Sharing the Prime Minister's views, the minister agreed on the critical role of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, commending the Vietnamese Government's strong management capacity and decisive efforts, particularly in database development. He voiced confidence that Viet Nam would continue to grow strongly and successfully realize its goal of becoming a powerful and prosperous nation.

Minister Hayashi affirmed his commitment to promoting cooperation in the areas highlighted by the Prime Minister. He added that Japan wishes to continue working with ASEAN countries, including Viet Nam, on digital transformation and the development of safe and secure artificial intelligence, expressing confidence that bilateral cooperation in digital transformation and information technology will continue to deepen./.