On October 3, 2025, the Asia Future Association (AFA) in collaboration with the VNU University of Economics and Business (UEB), organized the Vietnam–Japan Forum 2025 under the theme: “Vietnam–Japan Partnership: Cooperation and Development in a Changing Global Context.”
The event was held in a hybrid format, bringing together policymakers, university researchers, business representatives from both countries, and international scholars. The Forum marked an important moment in promoting the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World.
Distinguished guests included: H.E. Pham Quang Hieu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to Japan, Mr. Ta Duc Minh, Commercial Counsellor of Vietnam in Japan (online), Mr. Nakashima Yusuke, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam.
In his remarks, Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu emphasized the significance of upgrading bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. He highlighted Japan’s strong commitment to supporting Vietnam’s digital transformation, green transition, innovation, and science and technology—key foundations for Vietnam’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2045. He also expressed hope that the Forum would continue as a meaningful annual event.
Representing Japan, Mr. Nakashima Yusuke noted that the world is facing a complex international environment, severe global climate change, and rapid technological advancements in IT and AI—changes that render past experience insufficient to address present challenges. He stressed that the Forum’s theme is both timely and practical, and that deepening knowledge sharing, experience exchange, and academic collaboration will play an important role in strengthening Vietnam–Japan relations in the years ahead.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Thu, Vice President of UEB, addressed key issues in strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including major bottlenecks in cooperation in trade, investment, education, and innovation; priority areas for the short term (towards 2030) and long term (towards 2045); and the need to develop a sustainable trilateral cooperation model between governments, businesses, and universities. She affirmed that deepening the partnership carries great significance for the socio-economic development of both countries.
The Forum also featured six keynote presentations:
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“Vietnam–Japan Partnership: Cooperation and Development in a Changing Global Context”
Mr. Ta Duc Minh, Commercial Counsellor of Vietnam in Japan -
“Vietnam–Japan Relations: Past, Present, and Future”
Prof. Nishida Tatsuya, Tokai University -
“Spillover of Environmental Standards through Trade: Evidence from Agreements Related to Japan”
Dr. Vu Duy, VNU University of Economics and Business -
“Vietnam Through the Lens of Japan: The Investment Story in Mutual Fund Prospectuses”
Prof. Shinozawa Yoshikatsu, Hitotsubashi University -
“Japan’s Enduring Contribution to Infrastructure Development in Vietnam”
Dr. Phan Huu Duy Quoc, Chairman, CC1 -
“The Role of Supporting Service Enterprises in Japanese FDI: A Perspective from Netmarks Vietnam”
Mr. Tran The Thanh, Deputy General Director, Netmarks Vietnam
A thematic panel discussion, co-chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thanh Huong (UEB) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy (Chiba University of Commerce / AFA), featured scholars from UEB, Tokai University, and Chiba University of Commerce.
Experts highlighted several strategic directions, including: ①effective use of FTAs to expand markets, ② building sustainable supply chains, ③promoting cross-border e-commerce,④strengthening cooperation in research, development, and innovation,⑤ enhancing institutional frameworks, ⑥ developing high-quality human resources.
They also emphasized the need for continued government action to remove technical barriers, improve policies, and support enterprises in expanding cooperation and attracting new investment.
As the Forum drew to a close, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuy, representing the organizers, offered concluding reflections tying together the day’s discussions.
She noted that the contributions of leaders, scholars, businesses, and international partners demonstrated that Vietnam–Japan cooperation is not only vital for the future but also essential for addressing the challenges of today.
Dr. Thuy emphasized that Vietnam’s aspiration to become a high-income country by 2045 is an ambitious yet achievable goal—one that requires innovation, effective policymaking, and strong international partnerships. With sustained cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, she affirmed, this goal is within reach.
She added that the partnership between the two countries is entering a new stage of deeper and more comprehensive development. In a rapidly changing world, Vietnam and Japan need each other more than ever—to confront challenges, foster innovation, and grow together. She reaffirmed that the Forum’s mission is to connect four essential pillars—government, education, business, and international partners—to transform ideas into practical solutions and contribute to a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future.
As a bridge for academic exchange and international cooperation, the Asia Future Association (AFA) continues to affirm its commitment to fostering dialogue, research, and meaningful collaboration between Vietnamese and Japanese scholars and businesses.
Asia future Association (AFA)
