Tokyo (VNA) – A business dialogue was held in Tokyo on ꦑJuly 8 to enhance Japanese firms' understanding of Vietnam’s investment environment through direct engagement with Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu.

The event, initiated by the NPO Vietnam Konwakai Association, attracted a number of Japanese companies interested in cooperation and investment prospects in Vietnam. Addressing the event, President of the NPO Vietnam Konwakai Association Hiromasa Tabuchi said the dialogue offered Japanese businesses an opportunity to gain the most updated insights into Vietnam’s socio-economic landscape as well as its new policies, and to exchange views on potential future collaboration in various sectors. Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu listened to participants’ inquiries on topics such as Vietnam’s orientation toward automobile industry development, administrative procedures regarding business licensing and vehicle registration under the new government structure, and adjustments to regulations on the import of functional foods and pharmaceuticals from Japan. Japanese firms also proposed partnering with Vietnamese enterprises in thermal insulation materials and refrigeration equipment production, as well as expanding educational cooperation to increase the pool of high-quality human resources for Japanese operations in Vietnam. Providing updates on Vietnam’s economic trajectory and new policies, the ambassador emphasised the country’s vision to enter a new phase of growth, aiming to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income nation by 2045. To achieve these goals, Vietnam has adopted a breakthrough action plan anchored in four pillars: institutional reform, science - technology and innovation, private sector development, and broader international integration. Hieu acknowledged concerns from foreign investors regarding Vietnam’s ongoing administrative reforms, such as locality and ministry mergers. He reassured participants that these reforms are part of a long-term vision aimed at streamlining the administrative apparatus and improving efficiency, ultimately benefiting both domestic and foreign businesses, including Japanese investors. He also responded to questions and reaffirmed the Vietnamese Embassy’s commitment to supporting stronger business links between Vietnam and Japan. The embassy will continue working closely with both sides to materialise opportunities for cooperation, investment, and trade, he noted./.