The commitment was made by Prime Minister Hung during a meeting with Japanese businesses operating in Vietnam on September 6, held as part of the 2026 Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum in Hue.

Japanese businesses reaffirm that they regard Vietnam as a strategic market and are continuing to expand into higher-value-added sectors. Alongside investment and production expansion plans, they raised concerns about policy transparency and predictability, the availability of technology talent, and conditions for developing emerging industries.

Japanese businesses call for greater policy transparency and predictability

Representatives of Japanese businesses called on Vietnam to further improve the predictability and transparency of legal regulations, while maintaining regular information sharing and dialogue between authorities and businesses.

Another issue of concern is the shortage of technology talent. Tsuchibashi Akito, chairman of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (JCCI), said improving conditions for training, developing and retaining talent would contribute to the growth of Vietnam’s industries.

Japanese businesses also raised issues related to the transition and development of emerging industries.

Hirata Osamu, general director of Toyota Vietnam, said the company has decided to invest a total of US$360 million in Vietnam to strengthen its manufacturing foundation and work towards mass production of electrified vehicles, specifically hybrid vehicles.

Toyota expects the Government to advance a more comprehensive roadmap for vehicle electrification, adopt tax policies that reflect actual environmental performance, and facilitate the transition in urban areas.

Meanwhile, a representative of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) said some Japanese businesses are expanding investment in Vietnam in areas such as semiconductors, manufacturing, digital technology and artificial intelligence.

Government pledges to address concerns comprehensively

In response to the businesses’ proposals, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stressed that Vietnam is pursuing selective investment attraction, prioritising high-quality FDI projects featuring advanced technology, high added value, strong spillover effects and close linkages with domestic businesses.

Vietnam wants to attract investment associated with technology and knowledge, modern management, research and development, high-quality human resources and substantive links with Vietnamese businesses. The Prime Minister expressed his hope that Japanese companies would continue contributing to this direction through their experience, resources and reputation.

Regarding issues raised by businesses in transport, education, energy, taxation, science and technology, the Prime Minister said Vietnamese ministries and agencies have taken steps to address them and instructed them to continue reviewing progress and focus on resolving matters within their jurisdiction.

The Prime Minister stressed that issues already assigned or directed by the Government must not be allowed to drag on or force businesses to raise the same concerns repeatedly.

At the same time, the Government will continue to accelerate institutional reform, improve the legal framework in line with international standards and norms, reform administrative procedures, reduce business conditions, and cut compliance time and costs.

A regular and substantive dialogue mechanism with investors, organised around specialised sectoral groups, will also be maintained to address concerns thoroughly.

“We are committed to following through on legitimate concerns, while these meetings will also provide a mechanism for information exchange so that all sides can better understand the Government’s policies and the regulations of ministries and sectors,” he told participants.

The Prime Minister affirmed the Government’s commitment to accompanying and supporting the Japanese business community in Vietnam in continuing to expand investment and business activities in Vietnam, adding that the trusted political relationship between the two countries should be translated into stronger trade and investment ties.

The Government leader expressed his confidence that, with the strong foundation of bilateral relations, the determination of the two Governments and the dynamism of the business communities, Vietnam-Japan economic, trade and investment cooperation will continue to grow strongly in a more substantive and effective manner.