This is Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s first visit to Viet Nam since assuming office, marking a significant milestone in the history of Viet Nam–Japan relations. The visit provides fresh impetus to advance the Viet Nam–Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a deeper and more substantive manner for mutual benefit, transforming this relationship into a solid foundation for both nations to confidently pursue their development goals and aspirations.
The bond between Viet Nam and Japan, two Asian countries, has been woven from shared cultural values, long-term common interests, and the sincere, warm sentiments between their peoples. Over more than half a century of companionship and cooperation since Viet Nam and Japan officially established diplomatic relations in 1973, the two countries have not only been reliable and effective strategic partners but also sincere friends who respect one another.
The Vietnamese people have always cherished affection, respect, trust, and admiration for Japan and its people’s resilient spirit. The invaluable and practical support that Japan extended to Viet Nam during the difficult period when the COVID-19 pandemic raged vividly demonstrated the spirit of solidarity and companionship between the two nations. Japan was the first country to provide COVID-19 vaccines to Viet Nam.
Over more than half a century of companionship and cooperation since Viet Nam and Japan officially established diplomatic relations in 1973, the two countries have not only been reliable and effective strategic partners but also sincere friends who respect one another.
Over the past 50 years, Viet Nam and Japan have together elevated their bilateral relations to proud new heights – from a “reliable, long-term stable partnership” in 2002 to a “strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia” in 2009, then an “extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia” in 2014, and most recently a “comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world” in 2023.
Relations between Viet Nam and Japan have developed comprehensively across all fields, with political trust increasingly consolidated, high-level commitments and agreements earnestly and effectively implemented. Both sides maintain and upgrade numerous substantive dialogue and cooperation mechanisms.
Each step forward in bilateral relations bears the imprint of persistent efforts and strong determination by successive generations of leaders from both countries.
The economy, trade, and investment stand out as highlights in bilateral cooperation. Japan is Viet Nam’s largest labour cooperation partner, third-largest investor, and fourth-largest tourism and trade partner. Bilateral trade turnover has maintained steady, balanced growth, reaching approximately 52 billion USD in 2025, double the level of 2014.
Regarding foreign direct investment (FDI), as of January 31, 2026, Japan has 5,722 valid investment projects in Viet Nam with a total registered capital of 78.9 billion USD, ranking third among countries and territories investing in Viet Nam.
Cooperation between the two countries has also progressed positively in fields such as agriculture, labour, education, and climate change response. Viet Nam was the first country in the world to officially introduce Japanese language teaching at secondary school level from 2003, and at primary school level from 2019.
Meanwhile, Japan is one of the largest donors to Viet Nam’s education and training sector. Japan has supported the upgrading of four Vietnamese universities to high-quality university status, while also cooperating to build the Viet Nam–Japan University to train high-quality human resources for Viet Nam in science and technology, management, and services.
Welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s official visit reaffirms Viet Nam’s consistent policy of prioritising the development of relations with regional partners, including Japan. For Viet Nam, Japan is one of the foremost, long-term strategic partners with high political trust and a high priority position in its foreign policy.
Notably, cooperation in emerging fields such as digital transformation, green transformation, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors is increasingly prioritised and promoted.
Both sides have agreed on a list of 15 projects with a total capital of approximately 20 billion USD prioritised for implementation in the green energy sector, some of which are already underway, such as cooperation projects to build power plants and liquefied natural gas plants in Thai Bình and Nghi Son, and a biomass power plant in Yen Bai.
Welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s official visit reaffirms Viet Nam’s consistent policy of prioritising the development of relations with regional partners, including Japan. For Viet Nam, Japan is one of the foremost, long-term strategic partners with high political trust and a high priority position in its foreign policy.
May Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s visit to Viet Nam be a resounding success, contributing to consolidating political trust, opening a new phase of development in bilateral relations, driving cooperation ever deeper, more substantive, and effective, and making positive contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world at large.
