This year Japan and Vietnam are celebrating the 50th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The relationship between our two countries is at an all-time high. Despite global and regional situations which are developing in a delicate manner, in addition to the international order which is being exposed to serious challenges, the relationship between Japan and Vietnam has achieved remarkable developments in recent years. Our two countries now recognize each other as key strategic partners.
Progressive developments can be seen across all areas of the relationship between our two countries. Japanese businesses are paying particular attention to the Vietnamese economy which achieved eight percent (per-annum) GDP growth last year, the highest growth rate among ASEAN member countries. According to a recent survey by JETRO, Vietnam is now the second most popular destination for Japanese FDI after the United States.
Vietnam and Japan are also working hard to reactivate ODA cooperation to promote infrastructure developments in Vietnam and to address new common challenges relating to digital transformation and green energy transformation. The number of Vietnamese people residing in Japan has increased to nearly 500,000. This is the second largest expatriate community in Japan and Vietnamese people make valuable contributions to the Japanese economy and society.
This year Japan and Vietnam are celebrating the 50th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The relationship between our two countries is at an all-time high.
Takio Yamada, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam
Throughout this 50th anniversary year, numerous commemorative events, high-level visits and exchanges have been planned. Our hope is that this year is not just remembered as the 50th anniversary year but will be viewed as a milestone year and a historic leap forward for the future partnership between our two countries. An important foundation of Japan-Vietnam relations is ‘empathy and resonance between the people’, based upon the social and cultural commonality. Through the various 50th anniversary commemorative events, we hope the heartfelt synergies between the peoples of our two countries will further deepen. We look forward to seeing Japanese and Vietnamese people rediscover the special ties that connect our two countries.
