MEETING WITH AMBASSADOR KUNIO TAKAHASHI AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE JAPAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE
, 04/03/2025 10:03On February 26, Dr. Tran Dinh Lam - Director of the International Cooperation Program at the Center for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Studies, had a meeting with Ambassador Kunio Takahashi and Ms. Suzuka Jonai from The Japan Research Institute, Limited. The discussion focused on Vietnam’s economy and the relationship between Vietnam and Japan. Additionally, positive evaluations of Vietnam’s reform process were shared.
After meeting with Japanese businesses in Hanoi and listening to their perspectives on Vietnam’s substantial reform efforts, Ambassador Kunio Takahashi expressed his appreciation for the positive and meaningful changes that these reform measures are expected to bring in the future. According to him, streamlining the management apparatus will create a more efficient path for Vietnam's economic development.
Ambassador Takahashi emphasized that several positive factors should be further promoted, including the synchronization of the reform process, the dedication of management officials toward building a prosperous and powerful Vietnam, the independent and autonomous mindset of businesses, and the creation of a fair and competitive business environment.
Ambassador Takahashi also expressed his hope that Vietnam would learn from Japan’s management experience to foster sustainable development for domestic enterprises. He praised Vietnam's political and social stability, considering it a key factor in creating a safe and long-term investment environment for foreign investors.
He noted that Vietnam’s economic environment offers certain freedoms that Japan lacks. For instance, the taxi industry in Vietnam has many ride-hailing service providers, whereas Japan has yet to permit such services due to concerns that traditional taxi drivers might be disadvantaged by foreign companies. Additionally, he mentioned that many young people in Japan today prefer working for private companies due to their competitive environment and better benefits. He expressed concern that the public sector is becoming less attractive to younger generations.
Ms. Suzuka Jonai, after interacting with her colleagues in Hanoi, expressed her hope that Vietnam would uphold its agreements and commitments with Japanese investors by ensuring timely payments for completed projects and avoiding unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. She cited Japan’s experience in constructing the Shinkansen, which was financed through loans from the World Bank between 1959 and 1964, supplemented by government funds, and mostly repaid by the early 1970s.
Ambassador Takahashi stated that reforming the management apparatus is a crucial step forward, opening a new era of growth that will bring happiness and prosperity to Vietnam. He emphasized that Vietnam has now set itself on the right path and expressed his hopes for the success of the reforms. If successfully implemented, Vietnam’s economy will soar and achieve sustainable growth.
