Japan-Vietnam economic cooperation is advancing with the expansion of investment and trade at its core, with a series of developments supporting Japanese companies' expansion into Vietnam and local companies' exports to the Japanese market.
Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam is making an official visit to Japan from 8 to 11 November. Against the backdrop of the two countries' relationship having been elevated to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” in 2023, the visit is being positioned as an opportunity to further deepen cooperation in the economic and investment fields.
Japan has long maintained a strong presence as one of Vietnam's major investors. As of the end of September 2026, there were approximately 5,800 active investment projects, with total registered investment exceeding USD 81 billion. The profitability rate of Japanese companies was 67.5% as of 2025, while 56.9% of companies indicated plans to expand their operations over the next 1–2 years. AEON has invested approximately USD 1.5 billion cumulatively and plans to open 4 shopping centres in 2026 as it expands its business in Vietnam.
In the food sector, Acecook plans to open a new factory at Hoa Phu Industrial Park in 2026, bringing its operations in Vietnam to 14 factories and 6 locations nationwide. In the seafood sector, Sao Ta Food's exports to Japan amount to approximately USD 80 million annually, with the company targeting USD 100 million in the future. In the textile and garment sector, 3 Saigon Garment companies regard Japan as one of their largest markets and have maintained long-term business relationships with Japanese companies.
In the rice sector, Chung An Company exported 500 tonnes to Japan in 2025 at a price of approximately USD 820 per tonne. While the Japanese market is expected to offer demand for high-quality rice, some observers have pointed out that the protection of domestic farmers and the impact of trade agreements could create barriers to entry.
In the infrastructure and IT sectors, infrastructure development through Japan-Vietnam cooperation, including Ho Chi Minh City's Metro Line 1, is progressing, while support through ODA remains a factor underpinning relations between the two countries. At the same time, establishing cooperation in advanced technology fields such as semiconductors, AI and the green transition is considered to require the development of concrete implementing bodies and mechanisms for producing results.