Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has called on the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to expand cooperation through a new generation of official development assistance (ODA), with priority given to science and technology, digital transformation, green transition, strategic infrastructure and flagship projects that strengthen Vietnam-Japan relations.

During a meeting with JICA President Tanaka Akihiko in Hanoi on June 11, the Prime Minister urged the agency to support Vietnam’s industrialization and modernization efforts by promoting technological innovation, improving labor productivity and enhancing national competitiveness.

PM Hung proposed that JICA provide more favorable and flexible ODA financing for projects in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, digital transformation, green development, space technology, energy, infrastructure, disaster prevention and supply-chain development.

He also called for the early launch of a budget-support loan program focused on AI and digital transformation, as well as expanded cooperation in training high-quality leadership and management personnel.

For his part, Mr. Tanaka outlined four priorities for future ODA cooperation with Vietnam: high-quality human resource development, industrial and supply-chain development, institutional and policy improvement, and infrastructure development.

He emphasized that science and technology would remain a central pillar of cooperation, highlighting potential collaboration in the LOTUSat-1 satellite project, semiconductor workforce training, digital transformation leadership programs, and Japanese budget-support loans for AI and digital initiatives.

The two sides also discussed key cooperation projects, including the Vietnam-Japan University and Hanoi Metro Line 2 connecting Nam Thang Long and Tran Hung Dao.

Japan remains one of Vietnam’s most important economic partners, ranking as the country's largest ODA provider and labor partner, while also being a leading source of investment, trade and tourism. In 2025, bilateral trade exceeded $50 billion for the first time, Japanese investment increased by nearly $4 billion, and ODA cooperation expanded by more than $600 million.

Source: VnEconomy