Trung warmly welcomed the visit, noting that it comes at a time when the Viet Nam–Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is growing strongly, effectively, and practically across all areas.
The minister thanked the Tochigi administration for its consistent support and active promotion of cooperation with Viet Nam over the years.
Appreciating the investment activities of more than 20 Tochigi enterprises operating in Viet Nam, he stressed that cooperation at the local level has become increasingly substantive and serves as an effective channel for advancing Viet Nam–Japan relations.
Trung suggested that Tochigi continue to effectively implement signed agreements and further strengthen cooperation in areas that can create new development momentum for Viet Nam, such as science and technology, digital transformation, innovation, and the training of high-quality human resources.
He also expressed hope that the prefecture would continue to pay attention to and support the Vietnamese community living and working in Tochigi. Fukuda congratulated Viet Nam on its impressive accomplishments and the progress made by its people over the past 80 years since the country was founded.
Agreeing with the views shared by Trung, he spoke highly of Viet Nam’s development potential, investment environment and human resources. Informing his host that Tochigi had successfully organised the third Viet Nam Festival in the prefecture, which attracted nearly 5,000 participants, Fukuda affirmed that the Tochigi authorities always value and are committed to expanding cooperation with Viet Nam, including with Phu Tho province.
He also reiterated the prefecture’s determination to continue creating favourable conditions for nearly 10,000 Vietnamese people living and working in Tochigi, thereby contributing to further strengthening the Viet Nam–Japan friendship and cooperation. During his visit to Vietnam, the Japanese Governor is scheduled to visit and work with Phu Tho province.
