A Platform for Advancing Vietnam–Japan Economic Cooperation

This was shared by Mr. Tsuchibashi Akito, Chairman of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (JCCI) and General Director of Meiko Electronics Vietnam Co., Ltd., in an interview with Business Forum Magazine on the occasion of the 101st Anniversary of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Press Day.

- From the perspective of the Japanese business community in Vietnam, how do you assess the tole of the media in providing market and policy information, as well as reflecting the issues and concerns of businesses?

On the occasion of Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day, I think it is important to recognize the long-standing role that journalism has played in shaping the country’s development. Since its origins in 1925, revolutionary journalism has helped to raise public awareness, strengthen unity, and support Vietnam’s journey towards independence and growth. Although the context today is very different, I believe the core principle remains the same: reliable and timely information is essential for decision-making and action.

From the perspective of the Japanese business community, the media plays a fundamental role in supporting economic activity. In many ways, just as journalism once served as a compass during times of national transformation, it now forms a key foundation for business decision-making.

Firstly, the media greatly contributes to market transparency. For Japanese companies operating in Vietnam, access to accurate and timely information on economic developments, industry trends, and regulatory changes is crucial. This information helps companies to evaluate opportunities and risks, and to make well-informed investment decisions in a rapidly evolving environment.

Secondly, the media plays an important role in helping businesses to understand policies. It is not only about delivering information, but also about explaining the intent behind policies and their potential impact on business operations. This is particularly valuable in cross-border contexts such as Vietnam–Japan relations, where differences in systems and practices can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

Thirdly, the media provides businesses with a platform to voice their concerns and perspectives. By reflecting the real challenges faced by companies, the media helps to create a more responsive policy environment, contributing to constructive dialogue between the public and private sectors.

Overall, therefore, I would argue that the media is not merely a channel of communication, but an essential foundation that supports transparency, trust, and sound decision-making in the business environment.

- In your view, what more can the media do to strengthen its role as a bridge connecting government agencies, trade promotion organizations, and the business communities of Vietnam and Japan in the current context?

If we consider the historical role of Vietnam’s revolutionary press, we see that it connected organizations with the people and helped build a shared sense of purpose. Today, I believe that this bridging function is more relevant than ever, particularly given the deepening economic integration between Vietnam and Japan.

In my view, there are three areas in which the media can further strengthen this role.

Firstly, the media can play a stronger role in interpreting policies and economic developments. Businesses, particularly foreign investors, often need more than just information; they need context. By providing clear and well-balanced analysis of policy changes and their implications, the media can help companies navigate the business environment with greater confidence.

Secondly, the media can play a more active role in facilitating dialogue. This can be achieved by organizing forums, publishing interviews such as this one, and creating platforms for discussion. These platforms can bring together policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders from both countries. This fosters mutual understanding and encourages more constructive engagement.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, the media can contribute to building trust. Transparent, accurate, and balanced reporting creates a sense of predictability, which is essential for long-term investment. In today’s interconnected world, credibility is one of the most valuable assets that a media organization can offer.

I would say that, just as journalism once helped to share a vision for national development, it now plays a vital role in fostering a shared understanding that supports sustainable economic growth and cooperation between Vietnam and its international partners.

- Vietnam–Japan economic relations are entering a new phase of development, with growing opportunities in areas such as supporting industries, green transformation, and digital transformation. In your opinion, which areas of cooperation should businesses from both countries prioritize in the coming years?

I believe that Vietnam–Japan economic relations are indeed entering a new stage. What we are seeing now is a shift from a model centered mainly on investment and production, towards one that emphasizes co-creation and higher value collaboration.

This evolution has been built on a very strong foundation. Since the early days of foreign direct investment in the 1990s, Japanese companies have made a significant contribution to Vietnam’s industrial development, including the formation of industrial clusters. A well-known example of this is the motorbike industry, where companies such as Honda and Yamaha have collaborated closely with local suppliers. Through long-term supplier development, local content ratio of motorbike industry have reached more than 95%. In my view, this is a very successful model of industrial collaboration.

Today, we are seeing this model extend into more advanced sectors. In fields such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, the production of key components, including build-up substrates that are essential for advanced electronics, is expanding in Vietnam. This reflects a clear shift towards higher-value manufacturing and greater involvement in global supply chains.

Looking ahead, I would highlight several priority areas.

Firstly, continued development of supporting industries is essential. Strengthening local supplier capabilities and enhancing supply chain resilience will be crucial for sustaining growth and competitiveness.

Second is green transformation. Under frameworks such as the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), Japanese companies like The erex Co.Ltd and Marubeni are working on renewable energy and lower-emission energy solutions projects. These efforts will play an important role in supporting Vietnam’s energy transition while contributing to broader regional sustainability goals.

Thirdly, digital transformation offers significant opportunities. Through initiatives supported by JETRO, partnerships between Japanese firms and Vietnamese technology-oriented startups are expanding. In different aspect, companies such as FPT, CMC, and RikkeiSoft have become indispensable partners for Japanese businesses, particularly in IT services and digital innovation.

Finally, I would emphasize the importance of human resource development and technology transfer. Japanese companies, including Toyota Motor and Daikin, have long been recognized for their contributions to these areas. Developing skilled human resources and strengthening technical capabilities will remain critical foundations for future cooperation.

Overall, I believe that the next phase of relations between Vietnam and Japan will be characterized by deeper collaboration, innovation, and shared value creation.

- What recommendations does JCCI have for Vietnamese enterprises to enhance connectivity, participate more deeply in Japanese companies’ supply chains, and make better use of the trade and investment opportunities between the two countries?

From JCCI’s perspective, I believe there are several important areas on which to focus in order to strengthen collaboration and integration further.

Firstly, it is essential to ensure transparency and predictability in regulations. A clear and stable policy environment is key to building investor confidence and enabling companies to plan for the long term.

Secondly, it is crucial to enhance the participation of Vietnamese enterprises in the global value chains. This includes not only improving technical and production capacity, but also enhancing management quality, compliance standards, and the ability to meet international requirements.

Thirdly, continued investment in human resource development is necessary. This can be achieved by expanding vocational training, strengthening industry–academia collaboration, and developing practical skills to align the workforce with the needs of modern industry.

Fourthly, further support for green and digital transformation should be encouraged. Creating an environment that enables technology adoption, aligns standards and promote innovation will help businesses adapt to new trends and remain competitive.

Finally, maintaining close and continuous dialogue between governments and the business community is crucial. Regular dialogue allows feedback from the private sector to inform policies, contributing to a more dynamic and inclusive economic environment.

In closing, I would emphasize that information and mutual understanding remain at the heart of all these efforts. As Vietnam and Japan continue to strengthen their partnership, I believe that the media’s role in fostering transparency, trust, and cooperation will become increasingly important in the years ahead.

Thank you so much!