Vietnam and Japan agree to sign Medium and Long-term Vision on Agri Cooperation

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru met to strengthen bilateral cooperation. They agreed on a mid-to-long-term vision for agricultural cooperation (2025-2030), increased collaboration in high-tech sectors (semiconductors, AI), and enhanced ODA for infrastructure projects. Both leaders emphasized strengthening economic ties, improving the investment environment for Japanese businesses in Vietnam, and developing human resources. They also committed to cooperation on regional issues, including the South China Sea, and the promotion of tourism and cultural exchanges.

Prime Ministers Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam and Ishiba Shigeru of Japan held talks focusing on bolstering their nations' economic and strategic partnership. Vietnam highlighted Japan as a key partner, emphasizing the potential for mutually beneficial collaboration built on strong political ties and complementary strengths. Discussions centered on several key areas: **Economic Cooperation:** Both leaders agreed to strengthen economic ties, increase trade and investment, and revitalize ODA cooperation for strategic infrastructure projects, including the Vietnam-Japan University and Cho Ray Hospital. They aim to improve the business environment in Vietnam to attract further Japanese investment. **High-Tech Collaboration:** Recognizing the importance of science and technology, they pledged to enhance cooperation in high-tech agriculture, semiconductors, quantum technology, AI, and the green transition. Vietnam requested support from Japan in developing human resources in IT and establishing a community of Vietnamese IT engineers involved in Japan's digital transformation. **Agricultural Cooperation:** A Medium and Long-Term Vision on Agricultural Cooperation (2025-2030) will be signed, focusing on ensuring food security and high-tech agricultural practices. **Regional and International Issues:** The leaders agreed to maintain close cooperation in regional and international forums, focusing on maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea through peaceful means and the timely establishment of a substantive and practical Code of Conduct (COC). They also emphasized the importance of a rules-based international order. **Human Resources:** Cooperation in human resource development, including scholarships and a new labor program ("Jobs for Skill Development"), will be prioritized. Discussions on a Vietnam-Japan Social Security Agreement are also underway to support the large Vietnamese community in Japan. The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from both leaders to deepen the Vietnam-Japan relationship across numerous sectors.