Why is Vietnam’s To Lam in Japan? AI, chips and nuclear power
Vietnam’s To Lam is expected to use his visit to Japan this week to expand trade and investment options with Tokyo, especially in technology, amid continued uncertainty surrounding America’s future policy direction. After talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Monday, the two leaders pledged to speed up public-private cooperation on critical minerals, with a joint statement…
Vietnam's Prime Minister To Lam is in Japan this week for a visit aimed at expanding trade and investment opportunities, particularly in technology, as both nations seek to navigate uncertainty around America's future policy direction. The two countries pledged to accelerate public-private collaboration on critical minerals, with an emphasis on economic security and defence cooperation.
Vietnam's visit also highlights its push for nuclear power, a topic Takaichi emphasized as a key goal of the visit. The agreement between Vietnam and Japan as comprehensive strategic partners took effect in November 2023, with both nations seeking closer ties amid geopolitical pressure from China. Sukegawa, a political scientist, said Vietnam aims to diversify its markets and boost domestic production by leveraging Japan's advanced technology and expertise.
The visit comes a week after the US midterm elections, which may bring increased scrutiny over foreign policy and potential clashes over tariffs and spending. Vietnam's IT workforce could benefit from Japan's support in higher-value tasks, ensuring technology and revenue remain within the country. The collaboration between the two countries is expected to focus on AI, semiconductors, energy, and digital transformation.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
