This is General Secretary and President Lam’s first visit to Japan in his new capacity. It follows the official visit to Vietnam by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae in May 2026.
Vietnam’s leading economic partner
Vietnam and Japan established diplomatic relations on September 21, 1973. Over the past 53 years, the relationship has been evolving from a "reliable, long-term stable partnership" (2002) to a "strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia" (2009), an "extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia" (2014), and a "comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world" (November 2023).
Bilateral trust has been cultivated through successive generations of leadership, the long-standing presence of businesses, and the deep-rooted affinity between the two peoples. Japan has collaborated with Vietnam on infrastructure development, industrial growth, and human resource training. These results are contributing to the socio-economic landscapes of both nations. The partnership is ever more closely aligned in terms of shared interests and future development. Japan continues to rank first in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and labor cooperation, third in investment, and fourth in trade and tourism.
As of July this year, Japan had 5,800 investment projects in Vietnam, with a total registered capital exceeding 80.4 billion USD. Bilateral trade turnover over the past nine months has grown by 15%, reaching 43.7 billion USD. At this rate, the total for the year is projected to reach roughly 58 billion USD. Over the last decade, bilateral trade has expanded 1.8 times. If the current growth momentum is maintained, trade turnover could reach 75 billion USD by 2030.
More than 100 pairs of localities between the two countries have established cooperative relationships. In 2026, Vietnam and Japan have organized 10 large-scale festivals and events in each country.
“Japan-Vietnam partnership has a long-standing history. Throughout various historical periods, we have consistently fostered friendship and mutual trust. As we enter a new phase, this relationship is certain to continue to flourish. For my part, I am committed to contributing to the further strengthening of friendship and cooperation between our two nations,” according to member of the House of Representatives Yuko Obuchi, who is Chair of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance.
Long-term vision for bilateral relations
The official visit to Japan by top leader To Lam will be an opportunity for both sides to advance substantive and comprehensive cooperation. In addition to traditional areas of collaboration—such as the economy, investment, and trade—and the consolidation of a high level of political trust, the two countries will discuss measures to expand and deepen new modes of cooperation.
Key areas of focus include innovation, the green transition, digital transformation, high-quality human resource development, education and training, and labor, in which Japan possesses experience and strengths, while Vietnam has needs and substantial room for development.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu, remarked: “First, the visit affirms the respect and long-term orientation in relations with Japan. It implements the 14th National Party Congress’s foreign policy. Vietnam continues to consider Japan as a comprehensive, important, and long-term strategic partner."
Second, political trust will be strengthened, especially personal trust between senior leaders of the two countries.
Third, cooperation will be boosted to improve each country's strategic autonomy and self-reliance, with a focus on strengthening economic links, linking trade and investment with science-technology, innovation and training high-quality human resources.
Fourth, the connection between people and localities will be expanded. A highlight of this visit is promoting cultural diplomacy with diverse activities.
The official visit to Japan by General Secretary and President To Lam and his wife is not just a major foreign event. It will lay the foundation for more substantive and extensive cooperation mechanisms between the two countries. In a volatile world, close connection is the common solution for the sustainable development goals of both Vietnam and Japan.
