Official Visit of the Vietnamese President and Spouse to Japan and Prospects for Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

Key points

From November 8 to 11, 2026, Vietnamese Secretary General and President Tho Lam and his spouse, along with a high-level delegation, will make an official visit to Japan. The main purpose of the visit is to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and to advance substantial cooperation not only in economy, investment, and trade but also in new areas such as innovation and green transformation. Japan is a major economic partner for Vietnam, and since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, the bilateral relationship has gradually developed. [1] [2] [3]

Overview of the Official Visit of the Vietnamese President and Spouse to Japan

From November 8 to 11, 2026, Vietnamese Secretary General and President Tho Lam and his spouse, accompanied by a high-level delegation, will make an official visit to Japan. The visit is at the invitation of the Japanese side and aims to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and promote substantial cooperation across a wide range of fields. This will be Mr. Tho Lam's first visit to Japan as Secretary General and President, following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to Vietnam in May of the same year. The visit marks a new phase in bilateral relations, with expectations for concrete cooperation to enhance political trust and deepen economic ties. [1] [2]

The two countries established diplomatic relations on September 21, 1973, and have since gradually upgraded their relationship. In November 2023, the partnership was positioned as a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World," reflecting over 50 years of friendly relations and political trust. Japan is one of Vietnam's major economic partners, cooperating in infrastructure development, industrial growth, and human resource development. Currently, Japan ranks first in official development assistance (ODA) and labor cooperation, third in investment, and fourth in trade and tourism with Vietnam. [1]

Current Economic Relations and Cooperation between Japan and Vietnam

Japan is an important economic partner for Vietnam, continuing cooperation in infrastructure development, industrial advancement, and human resource development. Bilateral trade in 2026 showed growth exceeding the previous year, indicating steady economic relations. Additionally, over 100 local governments from both countries have established cooperative relationships, fostering active exchanges at the regional level. Strengthening these economic ties contributes to the sustainable development of both countries. Japan's technological and capital strengths complement Vietnam's young workforce and market, further reinforcing cooperation. [1] [3]

During this visit, cooperation is expected to expand beyond traditional areas of economy, investment, and trade to include innovation, green transformation, digital transformation, high-quality human resource development, education and training, and labor. This will likely lead to more diversified and advanced economic collaboration. The mutual complementarity of Japan's technology and capital with Vietnam's young labor force and market is anticipated to further strengthen the partnership. [1] [3]

Strengthening Political Trust and Cooperation in Advanced Technology Fields

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that Secretary General and President Tho Lam's visit to Japan represents an important opportunity to strengthen political trust and elevate bilateral relations to a new level. From the perspective of economic security, the two countries have identified cooperation in energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and space as new priority areas. Collaboration in these fields is expected to contribute to regional stability and sustainable development, with energy security regarded as an urgent issue. [2] [1]

As a concrete example of cooperation, the two countries are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding aiming to realize small modular reactor (SMR) technology in Vietnam after 2040. In the AI field, a memorandum on research and development cooperation is planned, with Japan supporting the training of 100 Vietnamese AI specialists holding doctoral degrees. These initiatives will promote technological cooperation and human resource development, deepening strategic collaboration. Furthermore, at the Japan-US-Australia-India foreign ministers' meeting, a funding contribution exceeding 85 million dollars was announced to support reliable AI technology in the Indo-Pacific region, enhancing regional technological cooperation. [3] [4]

Additionally, the two countries are expected to sign a loan agreement for constructing a high-efficiency combined cycle gas turbine power plant in southern Vietnam, which is anticipated to meet regional energy demand while supporting sustainable development. Such multifaceted cooperation is seen as contributing to strengthening economic and energy security for both countries. Collaboration involving not only governments but also industry and academia is planned. Japan and Vietnam intend to contribute to regional peace and stability through these cooperative efforts. [3] [2]