Vietnam Calls for Transformation in Vietnam-Japan Investment Relations at Cooperation Forum

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on September 6 called for a stronger transformation in Vietnam-Japan investment relations, from a conventional investor-host model to a partnership in which the two sides jointly develop, innovate, produce and enhance their positions in global value chains. This call came during the Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum 2026, highlighting Vietnam's ambition to elevate its role in international supply chains amidst its continued economic growth. On the same day, National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man met with over 70 prominent figures, intellectuals, and representatives of associations, people’s organisations, businesses and non-governmental organisations from the Republic of Korea operating in Vietnam. This meeting underscored efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with South Korea. Furthermore, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam is set to pay an official visit to France from September 9-11 at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, where he will attend the International Space Summit. This engagement signals Vietnam's interest in international cooperation in space development. Bilateral relations with Myanmar are also advancing. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung met with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing on September 5, with both sides agreeing that favourable conditions exist to elevate bilateral relations to a new phase of development. President To Lam also hosted an official welcome for President Min Aung Hlaing and his spouse in Hanoi. In the education sector, the new school year commenced on September 5. At the opening ceremony for the new academic year, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung emphasized the necessity for substantive reform, focusing on school governance, teaching methods, and assessment. This reiterates the nation's commitment to nurturing its youth, who are crucial for Vietnam's future. At the local level, the 2026 Dak Lak Durian Festival successfully brought together culture, tourism, agriculture, and trade promotion. This event serves as a prime example of revitalizing local economies by leveraging regional specialties. These developments collectively illustrate Vietnam's multifaceted approach to economic development and international engagement. The specific call for transforming Vietnam-Japan investment relations suggests Vietnam is entering a strategic phase, aiming not just to be a production hub but also to drive technological innovation and increase value addition within global value chains. National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man's visit to the Republic of Korea is occurring at a time when Vietnam–Republic of Korea relations are developing strongly, underpinned by an increasingly solid political foundation. A delegation from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) led by Deputy General Director Doan Thi Tuyet Nhung attended the Asia-Pacific Media Forum in Shenzhen, China, from September 2 to 5. On land that previously yielded low economic returns, Trai Cau commune in Thai Nguyen province is witnessing a transformation thanks to Luc Truc bamboo. Food is playing an increasingly influential role in the travel decisions of Vietnamese tourists, with 35% citing local cuisine as a key factor in choosing a destination, according to Agoda's Travel Outlook 2026 report. General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam hosted a banquet in honor of Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing and his spouse in Hanoi on September 5 evening. At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam will pay a state visit to Russia from September 7-9. General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam hosted a reception for outgoing Bangladeshi Ambassador to Vietnam Mohammad Lutfor Rahman on September 5. Vietnam–France relations are entering a new stage of development, built on trust and the strong political determination of the two countries’ leaders. President of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man had a meeting with visiting Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in Hanoi on September 5. General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam chaired the official welcome ceremony for President of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing and his spouse in Hanoi on the morning of September 5. President Ho Chi Minh's message about the future of the nation depending on the education of its younger generation remains relevant today, with caring for children’s education seen as an investment in the nation’s future. The 2026-2027 academic year is expected to bring major changes, with a focus on school governance, teaching methods, and assessment, alongside efforts to address teacher shortages and surpluses, narrow educational access gaps, and ensure school safety. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung said on September 5 at the opening ceremony for the new school year that the 2026–2027 academic year must generate substantive reform from within every school and classroom. The 2026 Dak Lak Durian Festival brought together culture, tourism, agriculture, and trade promotion, laying a foundation for the province to develop it into a distinctive cultural and tourism product. General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam hosted a reception for outgoing French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet on September 4, commending his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations. Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi expressed his belief that the upcoming state visit to Russia by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam will elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level. As Vietnam marked its 81st anniversary of National Day, Vietnamese communities in 11 Canadian cities organised national flag-raising ceremonies and cultural exchanges.