Vietnam, Japan Seek Deeper Partnership, Focus on New Cooperation Areas

Vietnam and Japan agreed to further develop their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World, with a greater emphasis on substantive and effective cooperation in new areas, especially strategic connectivity initiatives agreed upon by the two countries’ high-ranking leaders. Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Chi and representatives of Japan's Financial Services Agency (JFSA) and Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission (SESC) have exchanged experience in securities market development, financial regulation and innovation. Vietnam always regards Japan as one of its leading and long-term partners, and supports the country's increasingly active role in promoting peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang called for continued adherence to ASEAN principles and stronger dialogue and cooperation to address common challenges. Discussions also touched upon sharing expertise in crop varieties, cultivation techniques, irrigation, agricultural mechanisation, post-harvest preservation and the development of agricultural value chains. NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man praised Ho Chi Minh City's preparations for the draft Law on Urban Development, describing it as a landmark piece of legislation that signals a shift in state thinking from urban administration to modern urban governance focused on enabling development. Domestically, the 14th Party Central Committee, chaired by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, discussed important issues including a draft regulation on matters prohibited for Party members. This initiative aims to strengthen discipline and is seen as part of a broader effort to counter cognitive warfare utilizing AI and digital platforms and to shift from "information management" to proactively "governing public trust." Politburo member Trinh Van Quyet stressed the need for continuous innovation in methods and capabilities to address these challenges. Economically, Standard Chartered has sharply raised its forecast for Vietnam’s economic growth in 2026, indicating strong prospects. Vietnam is also strengthening its international ties, with Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung meeting with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on major directions for bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Vietnam looks forward to working closely with fellow ASEAN members to raise the bloc's voice and contribution to international human rights efforts. Information Source: VietnamPlus English