Japan's PM Takaichi heads to Vietnam to strengthen economic and strategic ties

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will visit Vietnam on 2 May for high-level talks in Hanoi. The trip aims to deepen ties under the 2023 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering energy, technology, and regional stability. Her schedule includes meetings with Vietnam’s top leaders and a speech at Vietnam National University. Takaichi’s first stop will be a meeting with Vietnamese President To Lam. Discussions will focus on improving the business climate for Japanese firms, which have faced challenges in recent years. New Japanese investment in Vietnam dropped sharply in the first quarter, falling by about 75% to US$233 million.

The prime minister will also hold talks with Foreign Minister Le Minh Hung. Trade between the two countries, however, has grown by 12.3% in the same period, reaching US$13.7 billion. Energy cooperation will likely feature in discussions, following Japan’s earlier withdrawal from a nuclear project due to tight deadlines. Vietnam’s reconsideration of its petrol-powered motorcycle ban in Hanoi’s city centre may also come up. The visit will wrap up with Takaichi travelling to Australia as part of her regional tour.

The visit seeks to reinforce economic and strategic links between Japan and Vietnam. Key areas include trade growth, investment hurdles, and shared interests in critical minerals. Takaichi’s agenda reflects ongoing efforts to expand collaboration under their existing partnership framework.