Over the past half-century, the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan have been continuously consolidated and developed rapidly and effectively in many fields. Vietnam always attaches importance to strengthening relations with Japan on all channels of Party, State and people-to-people exchanges, while promoting cooperation between localities and connecting businesses between the two countries.
The visits to Japan by high-ranking Vietnamese leaders, particularly those made by the Japanese Emperor, Empress, and Prime Ministers, are evidence of the two countries’ trust and special importance to the bilateral ties.
The significant achievements of economic, trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, over the past years have been a highlight, contributing to connecting the two countries, based on mutual benefit and mutual support.
Japan’s leading economic partner Vietnam, ranks first in terms of the supply of official development assistance (ODA), second in labour cooperation, third in investment and tourism, and fourth in trade.
Leaders of the two countries have agreed to maintain close coordination and promote dialogue and cooperation mechanisms in defence and security, education and training, health, culture, and labour.
Along with the signing of many important legal frameworks for bilateral cooperation, Vietnam and Japan continue to closely and effectively coordinate at regional and international forums, such as at the United Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
With more than 5,000 valid projects, Japan ranks third among countries and territories investing in Vietnam. As Vietnam's leading ODA provider, Japan has supported the development of large-scale infrastructure projects, technology transfer and human resource training, thereby contributing to promoting sustainable socio-economic development in Vietnam.
Vietnam now ranks first in the number of employees working in Japan and provides a source of a highly skilled labour force, including information technology engineers. Many Vietnamese nurses and caregivers have been sent to work in Japan, contributing to solving Japan’s workforce in the healthcare sector.
This year, Vietnam and Japan are hosting many meaningful and vibrant cultural exchange activities, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations (September 21, 1973 - 2023).
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At the Japanese-language eloquence contest held in Da Nang in 2021 (Photo: University of Foreign Language Studies - University of Da Nang) |
Prominent among the activities included the Japanese Cultural Festival entitled ‘Mini Hue’ held at Hue University and the Japanese-language eloquence contest held in Da Nang City. These events have contributed to highlighting the cultural similarities and closeness between Vietnam and Japan, thereby, strengthening understanding among peoples of the two countries, as well as between those who have lived and worked in Japan or Vietnam.
Meanwhile, people-to-people exchange activities have promoted cultural identities and tightened the Vietnam-Japan friendship, thus bringing peoples of the two countries closer together.
Vietnam and Japan share many common strategic interests and will continue to be trusted and important partners of each other, and are always placed in high priority for each country's foreign policy.
The achievements gained by Vietnam and Japan over the past half century have laid an important foundation for a future of long-term and sustainable cooperation between the two countries.
