Message from the Chief Representative

Vietnam–Japan relations have a long-standing relationship marked by numerous significant milestones. In 2009, the two countries upgraded their ties to a “Strategic Partnership,” which was further elevated in 2014 to an “Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia.” In 2023, Japan and Vietnam officially established a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World.” The number of Japanese businesses investing in Vietnam has also increased significantly, from 950 companies in 2008 to 2,394 companies in 2023, while the Japanese population residing in Vietnam grew from 7,036 individuals in 2008 to 18,949 in 2023 (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan).

Against this backdrop, JICA's cooperation activities in Vietnam, within the framework of the Japanese Government’s development cooperation policy, have also undergone substantial changes and developments. One notable achievement from years of close cooperation between Vietnamese and Japanese stakeholders is the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line No. 1—Vietnam’s very first metro line—which has officially commenced operations. In addition to developing new infrastructure, JICA has been implementing a wide range of projects across multiple sectors. In the area of human resource development, the establishment of the Vietnam Japan University in 2014 stands as a symbol of the deep friendship and solidarity between the two nations. Through joint efforts among various stakeholders, the university now trains over 1,000 students, actively contributing to Vietnam’s and the global human resource pool. Furthermore, as the number of Vietnamese workers in Japan continues to increase, JICA is expanding its cooperation to new areas such as protection of the rights of Vietnamese workers coming to Japan. In the field of business collaboration, 233 Japanese companies have participated in JICA’s proposal-based programs with the private sector implemented since 2010. Additionally, JICA has carried out 15 projects under the “Private-Sector Investment Finance (PSIF)” scheme. These are just a few of the many noteworthy changes and new developments in our work during the last 15 years or so. As Vietnam, Japan, and the world continue to face unprecedented and complex crises, I believe that it is essential to further promote new forms of cooperation in alignment with the Japanese government’s policies. Shortly after assuming my post, I visited some project sites in Son La Province in the Northern mountainous region that frequently suffers from natural disasters. The visit deepened my understanding of the need to explore forms of cooperation that go beyond traditional frameworks—to safeguard the lives, livelihoods, and dignity of every individual, particularly those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

JICA's spirit of cooperation, centered on “nation-building” through “human resource development” and “heart-to-heart partnership”, remains steadfast, regardless of how circumstances change or develop. Currently, over 40 JICA volunteers and nearly 50 long-term experts in various sectors are on the frontlines of our cooperation across Vietnam. In addition, Japanese NGOs, universities, local governments, and other organizations are also engaged in grassroots-level cooperation, making significant contributions to improving the livelihood of many local communities in various areas of Vietnam. I will prioritize safety and health management of our various partners so that they may be able to thrive on the ground with a sense of security.

Lastly, I would like to touch upon the concept of “circulation,” which is a notable feature of the revised Development Cooperation Charter of Japan as of June 2023. JICA aspires to implement cooperation that not only makes meaningful contributions to the socio-economic development of Vietnam, but also helps address challenges faced by Japan, such as the revitalization of local regions. To this end, I will also prioritize facilitation of collaboration and dialogue between a wide array of Vietnamese and Japanese stakeholders.