Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Umeda Kunio

The Vietnam-Japan relationship is now at the best it has ever been. In the last 25 years, the two countries have strengthened cooperation in politics, diplomacy, economics, and culture.

Firm foundation

The rapid, sustainable growth of the Vietnam-Japan political relationship is undeniable. The regular exchange of visits at various levels including the visit to Vietnam by the Japanese Emperor and Empress early last year and President Tran Dai Quang’s State visit to Japan last June are the evidence of the growing ties. Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Nguyen Quoc Cuong said: “The two countries established an extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia. They aim to deepen strategic partnership and make it more effective.”

Vietnam and Japan have shared their views at international forums like the UN and the APEC Forum and promoted the negotiations and signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership agreement. Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Umeda Kunio said: “Japan appreciates the trust of the Vietnamese leaders and people. In response to this trust Japan wants to boost cooperation with Vietnam in many fields. We are very impressed with Vietnamese people’s friendliness and trust in Japan.”

Japan is Vietnam’s top economic partner and was the first G7 country to recognize Vietnam’s market economy status in 2011. Japan is now Vietnam’s second largest investor, 4^th biggest trade partner and 3^rd largest tourism partner. With its ODA accounting for 30% of Vietnam’s total, Japan is Vietnam’s largest ODA donor. There are more than 2,500 Japanese businesses operating in Vietnam. Hironobu Kitagawa, Representative of the Japan External Trade Organization, said: “Cooperation between Japanese and Vietnamese enterprises has changed over time. In the 1990s, Japan’s cooperation with Vietnam focused on infrastructure and manufacturing. In recent years, Japanese enterprises have increased investment in Vietnam, focusing on retail, distribution, and education. I believe that economic ties between the two countries will be more diverse.”

Prospects of bilateral ties

The Vietnam-Japan relationship has grown rapidly over the past 45 years. The two countries are pushing the signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership which is expected to take effect next year. Japanese Minister of Economic Reconstruction Toshimitsu Moteghi said: “Vietnam and Japan have worked closely to promote the agreement which will stimulate trade and investment in the 21^st century and contribute to the development of the Asia Pacific region which is already growing dynamically.”

Vietnam and Japan have nurtured a long-lasting relationship in history, culture and trade. The two plan to expand this cooperation into economics, national defense, security and advanced technology.