Vietnam remains attractive destination for Japanese investors: JETRO chief

Vietnam in the eye of Japanese investors is a potential market that boasts factors for steady growth, says Nobuhiko Sasaki, chairman and CEO of the Japan External Trade Organisation – an agency that promotes Japanese trade and investment.

Assemblying motorcycles at Honda Vietnam, one of successful Japanese--run businesses in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Assemblying motorcycles at Honda Vietnam, one of successful Japanese--run businesses in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Sasaki made the statement in an interview recently granted to baoquocte.vn following Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s official visit to Vietnam from April 30 to May 1.

The two countries’ ministries, agencies, localities and businesses had signed and exchanged documents of cooperation, especially in new fields such as energy, digital transformation and the environment that shows the investment trend in both countries, he said.

The recent development of the Japanese supermarket chain Aeon Mall also shows that Vietnam’s retail market is developing rapidly, even in rural areas, he noted.

According to the JETRO executive, trade and investment cooperation between Japan and Vietnam has made progress in recent years. Japan has poured US$64.5 billion into 4,935 investment projects in Vietnam. Both Vietnam and Japan are important trading partners of each other when Vietnam is Japan’s third largest export market and the latter is the former’s fourth largest export market.

The number of Japanese companies entering Vietnam is increasing, and the Japan Business Association in Vietnam (JBAV) is now represented by approximately 2,000 Japanese enterprises.

Sasaki cited the results of a JETRO-run survey saying 55% of Japanese companies operating in Vietnam have business expansion plans in the next one or two years, the highest rate among Southeast Asian countries.

In his opinions, Japanese investors all appreciate Vietnam’s production and market potential, and the two countries can build a relationship to complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Since JETRO opened its first office in Hanoi in 1993 and another in Ho Chi Minh City in 2000, he said Vietnam has increasingly become a favourite destination for Japanese manufacturing companies.

JETRO is currently interested in digital transformation, innovation, green economy, decarbonization, agricultural and seafood export. It is considering boosting bilateral cooperation in innovation - a field of cooperation where demand between the two sides is rapidly increasing, he said.

Sasaki expressed his belief that FDI inflows from Japan to Vietnam would continue to increase considerably in the coming time, especially after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to Hanoi.

VOV

Other News

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

For biofuels, particularly E10, to develop successfully, stronger and more coordinated policies are needed, especially pricing mechanisms capable of creating a sufficiently attractive gap between E10 and mineral-based petrol, an expert has said.

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

The 12th Africa Forum for Investment & Commerce (AFIC 12) opened in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on May 9, drawing around 2,000 participants, including officials, economists, businesses, financial and development organizagtions from 43 African countries and international partners, including Vietnam.

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

The exhibition, which runs until May 9 at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition, showcases advanced products and technologies across a range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, drug manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, hospital and clinic services and dental equipment.

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Leading the charge in this massive building spree is the new central city square in the core of the Thu Thiem new urban area. Spanning more than 20 ha, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Square and new administrative center complex.

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

The country’s stable political and economic environment provides a critical foundation for long-term sourcing strategies. At the same time, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up manufacturing, supported by a continuously expanding industrial base capable of meeting both high-volume demand and increasingly complex technical and quality requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

The update by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to its Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on April 10, officially setting out import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos, is regarded as a major milestone in market access efforts.

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

The circular economy is no longer just a policy choice. It has become an inevitable trend for delivering sustainable and green growth, sharpening competitiveness at home and abroad, and meeting Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is now a prerequisite to sustain long-term economic expansion, particularly in industrial production and supporting industries.

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Vietnamese fresh produce and processed foods are increasingly recognised for their quality, with items such as cashew nuts, coffee and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. In 2025, Vietnam’s farm produce exports to the UAE exceeded 445 million USD, up nearly 24% year-on-year.