JICA congratulates Vietnam on FTSE Russell market upgrade

On September 19, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) lauded Vietnam for its recent inclusion in the FTSE Russell Global Equity Index Series, effective September 21. JICA attributed the achievement to years of market reforms spearheaded by the Vietnamese government, the Ministry of Finance, and the State Securities Commission (SSC) aimed at enhancing transparency and accessibility.

Since resuming Japanese official development assistance in 1992, JICA has supported Vietnam's capital market via policy discussions, technical aid, research, and long-term training. An important collaborative milestone was the 2019-2023 Technical Cooperation Project, which bolstered market surveillance, disclosure standards, transparency, and investor protection. The project also aided in implementing the 2019 Securities Law, key factors contributing to Vietnam's FTSE upgrade.

JICA's chief representative in Vietnam, Kobayashi Yosuke, expressed pride in JICA's role in enhancing regulatory capacity, protecting investors, and promoting market transparency. Kojima Kazunobu, a project chief expert from Daiwa Research Institute, noted Vietnam's significant strides and the need for sustained reforms under the government's leadership to foster sustainable market growth aligned with international standards.

The FTSE upgrade is anticipated to boost market visibility, draw international investment, and generate new prospects for Vietnamese enterprises. JICA emphasized its commitment to further supporting Vietnam's financial sector development and deeper integration into regional and global markets. FTSE Russell, owned by the London Stock Exchange Group, classifies stock markets based on quality, accessibility, liquidity, and regulatory standards, with higher classifications indicating more mature, accessible, and attractive markets for international investors.