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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and delegates at the event (Photo: VNA)

PM calls on Japanese firms to see Vietnam as strategic destination

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on Japanese enterprises to continue placing their trust in and deepening their engagement with Vietnam, and to consider Vietnam a strategic base for expanding their investment, production, and business activities.

The PM made the call while chairing a dialogue with Japanese businesses in Hanoi on March 1 to promote cooperation and investment in Vietnam for sustainable and rapid development of both sides.

Highlighting the growth of the Vietnam-Japan relations over the past 52 years with the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world, PM Chinh noted that bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation has continued to play a pivotal role, standing out as a highlight in the bilateral relationship.

Japan is currently one of Vietnam's leading economic partners — the largest provider of official development assistance (ODA) and labour cooperation, the third-largest investor, and the fourth-largest trade and tourism partner.

At present, Japan has over 5,500 investment projects in Vietnam, with bilateral trade turnover in 2024 exceeding 46.2 billion USD. In terms of ODA, Japan has committed more than 20 billion USD in concessional loans, nearly 750 million USD in non-refundable aid, and approximately 1.34 billion USD for technical cooperation.

Japanese investments span a wide array of sectors and are present in numerous localities across Vietnam. According to the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), 56.1% of Japanese enterprises expressed a desire to expand their operations in Vietnam within the next one to two years — the highest rate in ASEAN. This clearly shows that Vietnam remains an attractive investment destination for Japanese businesses, the PM underscored.

At the dialogue, Japanese businesses praised Vietnam’s investment climate and expressed strong interest in expanding investments in infrastructure, semiconductors, renewable energy, clean energy, including nuclear energy, automotive manufacturing, and commercial centres.

However, they urged Vietnam to further streamline administrative processes, speed up decision-making, and improve legal frameworks for emerging sectors like data governance. They called for prompt resolution of bottlenecks in major projects, especially ODA-funded infrastructure, and highlighted ongoing issues with a number of projects like Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 and the Nghi Son Refinery.

PM Chinh acknowledged these concerns, while assuring the firms that Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to streamline the political system's organisational apparatus aims for higher efficiency, with the highest purpose of providing best services to citizens and businesses, cited VNA.

For the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 project, he directed HCM City authorities to resolve key project issues by April 30, 2025.

He said that in 2025, Vietnam aims to prioritise growth, targeting an 8% GDP increase, thereby building momentum for double-digit growth in the subsequent years , stressing that the Government will continue pursuing three strategic breakthroughs - institution, infrastructure, and high-quality human resources to serve the country’s fast and sustainable growth.

The Vietnamese leader also asked Japanese firms to partner with Vietnam in achieving the ambitious 8% growth target for 2025 and double-digit growth in the following years.

He said he hopes Japanese businesses, with their experience, resources, and credibility, will help Vietnam access green and sustainable financing through initiatives such as the "Asia Zero Emission Community" (AZEC) and to support innovation through Japan’s "Innovation/Digital Transformation Fund.”

He reiterated Vietnam’s policy of selectively attracting foreign investment, prioritising projects that offer quality, efficiency, technological advancement, and environmental protection. Vietnam welcomes investment in key sectors such as the green economy, digital economy, circular economy, knowledge economy, science and technology, innovation, electronic components, electric vehicles, semiconductors, new energy Iike hydrogen and renewables, financial hubs, green finance, biotechnology, healthcare, and high-tech agriculture.

PM Chinh urged both sides to enhance cooperation in strengthening supply chains, developing supporting industries, and building a skilled workforce.

He suggested Japanese enterprises accelerate disbursement and simplify procedures for ODA projects, and to expedite their decision-making processes, while harmonising regulatory frameworks between the two countries.

The Vietnamese Government is firmly committed to ensuring that the foreign-invested sector remains an integral part of the national economy, while guaranteeing legitimate rights and interests of all investors, and maintaining political stability, social order, and institutional and policy consistency to foster investment, the PM affirmed.

30 years of Vietnam-US relations: a model of reconciliation and cooperation

Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung recently delivered a speech and engaged in discussions with professors, scholars, and students at American University to commemorate 30 years of normalized relations between the two countries.

The ambassador reviewed the bilateral journey, from President Ho Chi Minh’s early efforts to seek cooperation with the US to the heavy toll both nations endured during the war, and key milestones such as the 1995 normalization under Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet and President Bill Clinton, the 2013 Comprehensive Partnership established under President Truong Tan Sang and President Barack Obama, and the 2023 upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership led by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Joe Biden.

He emphasized that Vietnam-US relations are built on core values of humanity and reconciliation, demonstrated in joint efforts to address war legacies, including demining, dioxin remediation, support for persons with disabilities, and the search for missing soldiers. He highlighted both countries’ commitment to moving beyond the past to forge a substantive and effective partnership.

Professor Piper Campbell, Chair of the Department of Foreign Policy and Global Security at American University's School of International Service stated that the university organized the dialogue with the Vietnamese ambassador to address the strong interest among students and faculty in understanding developments in Southeast Asia, regional dynamics, and the region’s relations with the US.

She noted that the discussion with Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung provided valuable insights into the significance of 30 years of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations. She emphasized the importance of helping American students not only appreciate the current relevance of this relationship but also understand its history and key developments over the past three decades.

At the dialogue, Dr. Andrew Wells-Dang, a senior expert on Vietnam at the Centre for Asian Affairs of the US Institute of Peace (USIP), and Nguyen Hong Hai, a Fulbright scholar at American University, highly appreciated Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung’s speech and interactive discussion.

According to the two scholars, the ambassador’s remarks and dialogue covered all the key aspects that American scholars and young generations seek to understand about contemporary Vietnam-US relations.

Andrew Wells Dang concurred with Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung that Vietnam-US relations represent an exemplary model of reconciliation and cooperation, especially given the current global hotspots of conflict.

On this occasion, Ambassador Dung showed deep appreciation for generations of leaders and senior officials from both Vietnam and the US who overcame differences, built bridges, and advanced bilateral cooperation over the decades. He acknowledged the great contributions of figures such as the late Senator John McCain, former Secretary of State John Kerry, and Senator Patrick Leahy, who played pivotal roles in reconciliation, not only helping the two nations move beyond the past but also inspiring future generations.

The US is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding US$120 billion, more than 250 times the figure recorded in 1995.

Vietnam has emerged as a key manufacturing hub in the global supply chain, particularly in semiconductors, high technology, and renewable energy, according to VOV.

Overview of the venue, with over 100 scholars and students attending the event.

More than 30,000 Vietnamese students are studying in the US, serving as an important bridge between the two nations. As the two countries enter a new era, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung affirmed Vietnam’s desire to continue close cooperation with the incoming administration of President Donald Trump.

He reiterated the phone conversation between Party General Secretary To Lam and President-elect Donald Trump in November 2024, during which President Trump praised the growth of bilateral ties and expressed confidence in the future of Vietnam-US cooperation.

Vietnam believes that, with the solid foundation built over the past 30 years and the support of the Trump administration, the US Congress, businesses, and the American people, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to strengthen and thrive in the coming years.

Concluding the dialogue, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung emphasized that Vietnam-US relations stand as a testament to reconciliation, cooperation, and shared progress. Advancing this partnership is not solely the responsibility of government agencies but also relies on the contributions of the private sector, academic institutions, and citizens of both nations.

He called on the younger generations of Vietnam and the US to continue serving as bridges, helping to build an even brighter future for bilateral ties.

Vietnam, Tanzania strengthen ties on 60th anniversary

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang visited Tanzania from February 27 to March 1 to strengthen bilateral ties on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

During the visit, she held talks with Tanzanian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo in Dar es Salaam to discuss measures to enhance the two countries' traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation, especially in trade and investment.

Deputy Minister Hang said Vietnam always attaches importance to traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Tanzania, considers the country one of Vietnam's leading partners in Africa, reported VNA.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and Tanzanian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (Photo: VNA)

She conveyed an invitation from Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son for a visit to Vietnam to Minister Kombo, who said he will arrange a Vietnam visit in 2025.

Vietnam, with expertise in aquaculture, is willing to share and assist Tanzania, while urging the African country to jointly seek partners for the tripartite cooperation to leverage resources from developed nations, Hang said.

Besides, Vietnamese businesses such as Viettel can participate in the digital transformation and e-government building process in Tanzania, she added.

She proposed the two sides coordinate to organise the second session of the Joint Committee on Bilateral Cooperation and the Tanzanian side explore the possibility of Tanzania opening a diplomatic mission in Hanoi.

Minister Kombo highlighted Tanzania’s potential in agriculture, mining, and high-tech industries and encouraged Vietnamese investment in irrigation, aquaculture, rice production, and digital governance.

Both sides emphasized the need to enhance trade, facilitate business exchanges, and finalise agreements on investment protection and taxation.

Tanzania proposed an annual business forum to foster engagement, while Minister Kombo praised Viettel’s telecom venture, Halotel, and invited the company to expand its investments.

Deputy Minister Hang thanked the Tanzanian government for its support of Halotel and urged continued cooperation.

During her visit, Deputy Minister Hang also met with the Vietnamese Embassy and Halotel staff, recognising their contributions to bilateral relations.

Slovakia regards Vietnam as a key partner in Asia-Pacific

Vietnam is considered one of Slovakia’s leading partners in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in Southeast Asia, said First Deputy Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marek Estok during a meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Truong Giang in Bratislava on February 27.

Deputy Minister Estok emphasized Slovakia's recognition of Vietnam’s international role and praised the strong bilateral coordination in supporting each other’s candidacies for international organizations. He also highlighted Slovakia's intention to further enhance economic ties by increasing the number of economic attachés at its embassy in Vietnam.

Estok applauded the Vietnamese community in Slovakia, which has recently been officially recognized as the country’s 14th ethnic minority group, for their great contributions to Slovakia’s socio-economic development. He expressed Slovakia’s goal of deepening bilateral relations and ultimately upgrading them to a strategic partnership, cited VOV.

Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Truong Giang (left) and Solvakia's First Deputy Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marek Estok.

Ambassador Giang expressed his gratitude for Slovakia’s ongoing support and reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to stepping up cooperation with Central and Eastern European nations, including Slovakia. He stated that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and called for the expansion of high-level exchanges and practical initiatives in areas such as trade, education, science, technology, and cultural exchange.

The ambassador also thanked the Slovak government for recognizing the Vietnamese community and called for sustained efforts to support their integration and contributions to Slovak society. He requested that Slovakia expedite work permit renewals for Vietnamese workers and streamline visa procedures for new workers.

In response, Deputy Minister Estok acknowledged these concerns, noting that Slovakia had issued over 10,000 residence permits to Vietnamese nationals in 2024, making them the third-largest foreign community in the country, after Ukrainians and Serbians. He assured that he would instruct relevant authorities to coordinate with the Vietnamese Embassy on consular matters.

Vietnam’s government embarks on a leaner, more agile era

Effective from March 1, Vietnam’s reformed government features 14 ministries and 3 central agencies, enabling faster decision-making, decentralization, and improved policy execution to spur economic growth.

Following the National Assembly’s approval of a revamped organizational structure for the 15th National Assembly term, Vietnam’s new government apparatus officially went into operation on March 1.

The reformed government now comprises 14 ministries and 3 central agencies, with a total of 25 members - a reduction of 5 ministries and 3 officials from the previous setup.

This significant reorganization marks a move toward a leaner and more efficient government, as several ministries have been newly established or restructured.

Notably, 6 new ministries have emerged through mergers and internal reorganization, including the Ministries of Interior, Finance, Construction, Science and Technology, Agriculture and Environment, and Ethnic Affairs and Religion.

The remaining 8 ministries - Defense, Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Industry and Trade, Culture, Sports and Tourism, Education and Training, and Health - continue with internal adjustments.

Meanwhile, the structure of the 3 central agencies (the State Bank of Vietnam, the Government Inspectorate, and the Government Office) remains unchanged.

At the helm of this reformed apparatus, the Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, along with 7 Deputy Prime Ministers, now enjoys a more focused role.

Under the new arrangements, the Prime Minister will directly oversee major strategic issues and decisions that have broad, long-term implications for national development, VNN reported.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and government officials. Photo: Nhat Bac

Routine matters, already delegated to the Deputy Prime Ministers, will be handled at lower administrative levels to ensure quicker, more responsive governance.

The reform also reflects a shift toward greater decentralization and local empowerment. The guiding principle is “local authorities decide, local authorities act, and local authorities bear responsibility.”

The National Assembly’s revised Government Organization Law now grants the government and the Prime Minister broader discretion to manage urgent matters - such as national crises, disasters, or public safety threats - by implementing emergency measures beyond current legal provisions, with prompt reporting to the appropriate bodies.

In addition, the reformed apparatus aims to streamline legislative processes. The new framework allows the government to focus on stable, long-term policies while leaving more dynamic, rapidly evolving issues to be addressed by separate legislative measures.

This change is expected to reduce bureaucratic delays and remove administrative bottlenecks, creating an environment conducive to robust economic growth - targeting a GDP growth of over 8% this year and aiming for double-digit expansion in the years to come.

As Prime Minister Chinh emphasized, “A lean government apparatus is essential for us to take off, to soar high and far.”

With the new structure in place, the government is poised to deliver more effective, efficient governance, address critical issues with speed, and create ample space for economic and social development.

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