More than just a provider of development funding, JICA has been and will continue to be a strategic partner, working alongside Vietnam to build a prosperous, sustainable future with people at its core. This message was delivered by Kobayashi Yosuke, Chief Representative of JICA Vietnam Office, as he returned to the country for his new tenure.
A sustainable partnership from past to present
Drawing from his earlier experience in Vietnam (2005–2009) and his deep understanding of the long-standing bilateral partnership, Yosuke highlighted Vietnam’s remarkable socio-economic achievements: per capita income quadrupled over 15 years, rising from 1,000 USD in 2008 to 4,110 USD in 2023 according to the World Bank; health insurance coverage surpassed 93% in 2023 according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Health; and the percentage of people holding a university degree more than doubled, from 20% in 2008 to 45% in 2022, according to UNESCO data.
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| Kobayashi Yosuke, Chief Representative of JICA Vietnam Office |
Throughout this journey, the Vietnam–Japan relationship has been continuously elevated, from a “Strategic partnership” in 2009 to a “Comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world” in 2023. JICA has played an effective bridging role, bringing development values centred around people.
One of the most notable examples of JICA’s long-term support is Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 1—the country’s first urban railway, marking a major step forward in sustainable urban transportation. But beyond infrastructure, JICA has consistently focused on people: from legal reforms, healthcare and education support, to the development of high-quality human resources.
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| Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1, inaugurated on March 9, 2025 |
The Vietnam–Japan University, established in 2014, stands as a symbol of the strategic vision and long-term educational commitment between the two countries, having already trained more than 1,000 students. Meanwhile, JICA’s programmes of dispatching experts, volunteers, and technical assistance have been actively implemented across the country, from major cities to mountainous areas like Son La, where JICA is helping communities adapt to climate change and protect vulnerable livelihoods.
In the labour sector, JICA has adapted to new trends, as the number of Vietnamese workers in Japan surpassed 570,000 in 2024. New initiatives are being promoted by JICA to ensure workers’ rights, aiming to create safe and dignified working environments.
New cooperation for a new era
With the motto “Cooperation from Heart to Heart,” JICA is committed to promoting sustainable values aligned with Japan’s new "Development Cooperation Charter."
This approach not only helps Vietnam address domestic challenges but also opens opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation, for example, connecting localities in both countries to jointly revive economies, address aging populations, and strengthen healthcare and education capacities.
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| A Japanese volunteer teaching an art class with Vietnamese students |
Today, hundreds of Japanese enterprises have participated in JICA’s support programmes, opening new avenues for public-private collaboration alongside traditional public sector initiatives.
In a world facing overlapping crises—from climate change to pandemics, conflict, and demographic shifts—JICA firmly believes that placing people at the centre of development strategies is essential for building resilient and inclusive societies.
In Vietnam, JICA will continue to promote cooperation in a more flexible, creative, and human-centred manner—not only through investments, but through genuine connection, empathy, and shared understanding between people of both nations.
