Deepening Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through General Secretary and State President To Lam’s Official Visit to Japan

Key points

General Secretary and State President To Lam officially visited Japan from November 8 to 11, 2026. This visit marked the first to Japan since assuming his current positions, the first visit by a Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary in 11 years, and the first by a State President in 3 years. It was an important opportunity to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan. In addition to strengthening political trust, the visit focused on promoting cooperation in economic, science and technology, and energy fields. In November 2023, the bilateral relationship was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership, with trade volume reaching about 52 billion USD in 2025. [1] [2] [3]

Overview of General Secretary and State President To Lam's Official Visit to Japan

General Secretary and State President To Lam officially visited Japan from November 8 to 11, 2026. This was his first visit to Japan since assuming his current roles, the first visit by a Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary in 11 years, and the first by a State President in 3 years. He was accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation, aiming to further strengthen political trust between the two countries. During the visit, To Lam met with the Emperor of Japan, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the National Diet, and delivered policy speeches. [1] [2]

The visit took place at a time when the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries was at its strongest stage of development, representing an important opportunity to deepen cooperation under the new leadership of both countries. The Japanese side also clearly emphasized the importance of a long-term and comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam through this visit. The visit aimed to promote cooperation across multiple fields including economy, science and technology, education, digital and green transformation, and supply chain diversification. [1]

Political Trust and Upgrade of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Two Countries

Vietnam and Japan have deepened their relationship since establishing diplomatic relations in 1973. Notably, in November 2023, their relationship was upgraded to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," further enhancing political trust. This upgrade symbolizes the maturity of bilateral relations and the expansion of substantial and effective cooperation across multiple fields. Collaboration has been strengthened in politics, diplomacy, security, economy, and cultural exchange, contributing to regional peace and prosperity. [1]

The two countries maintain and strengthen political trust through regular high-level exchanges and multiple consultation mechanisms. In December 2025, a 2+2 dialogue involving deputy ministers of foreign affairs and defense was established, deepening cooperation in diplomacy and security. Economically, Japan is a major provider of official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam, the third largest foreign investor, and the fourth largest trading partner. Bilateral trade reached approximately 52 billion USD in 2025, and from January to August 2026, trade volume increased by 27% year-on-year to about 33.7 billion USD. [1]

Promotion of Cooperation in Economy, Science and Technology, and Energy Sectors and Deepening Trade Relations

The main purpose of General Secretary and State President To Lam's visit was to deepen political trust and promote cooperation in economic, science and technology, and energy sectors. Since the upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023, economic and trade relations have substantially deepened, with trade volume reaching about 52 billion USD in 2025. Cooperation has expanded beyond traditional goods trade and investment to emerging fields such as green transformation, digital transformation, energy security, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI). [2] [4] [3]

The trade structure between the two countries is complementary. Vietnam exports textiles, agricultural products, seafood, processed foods, wood products, and machinery parts to Japan, while importing machinery, equipment, technology, raw materials, and production parts from Japan. Japanese companies are strengthening their participation in Vietnam's supply chains, diversifying investment destinations, and expanding production bases. Vietnam is focusing on improving quality and brand building to expand market share in Japan, with significant growth potential especially in coffee, processed foods, wooden furniture, and textiles. [4]

In the field of energy security, during Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to Vietnam in May 2026, the two leaders confirmed strengthening cooperation. Japan pledged support for establishing crude oil supply systems and cooperation in developing critical minerals, while also promoting renewable energy and green infrastructure. Collaboration is also expanding in high-tech fields such as semiconductor research and development, AI human resource development, and satellite data utilization, serving as drivers for enhancing economic competitiveness and sustainable growth. Human resource development and industrial ecosystem formation will also be important pillars of future cooperation. [3]