Tokyo, 27 November 2023: During the Japan-Viet Nam Summit Meeting, Tetsuya Watanabe, President of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), presented an ERIA publication titled 'Viet Nam 2045: Development Issues and Challenges,' to President Võ Văn Thưởng of Viet Nam and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan. The exchange took place in the Prime Minister’s office in Tokyo, Japan, on 27 November 2023.

This Summit coincided with President Thưởng's official visit to Japan on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Viet Nam.

The Viet Nam 2045 Project, an ERIA initiative, pays tribute to the enduring diplomatic ties between Japan and Viet Nam since 1973. The project holds significant importance as Viet Nam aims to attain high-income status by 2045, aligning with its centennial independence celebration, as resolved during the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party held from January to February 2021.

The Viet Nam 2045 Project focused on providing strategic policy recommendations to guide Viet Nam in overcoming challenges on its path to becoming a high-income country within the next two decades. Additionally, it aimed to outline a future vision for strengthening cooperation between Japan and Viet Nam.

The comprehensive report, spanning approximately 600 pages across 21 chapters grouped under three key themes, consolidates insights and recommendations. Part 1, titled ‘Historical View and Development Model,’ explores historical perspectives and developmental models. Part 2, ‘Industries as the Driving Force for Growth,’ highlights industries' role in fostering sustainable economic growth. Finally, Part 3, ‘Sustainability and Social Issues,’ stresses the importance of addressing sustainability concerns and social issues for Viet Nam's growth.

The publication was welcomed in the Joint Statement on the Elevation of the Japan-Viet Nam Relations to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World. 

16. The two leaders concurred in continuing strengthening economic linkages between the two countries and affirmed the importance of cooperation to ensure economic security. Japan reaffirmed to continue supporting Viet Nam’s development of an independent and self-reliant economy that deeply engages in international integration, and Viet Nam’s industrialization and modernization with the goal of becoming a developed country by 2045. As an example of such efforts, the two leaders welcomed that ERIA (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia) has submitted a policy proposal “Viet Nam 2045” to both leaders as a reference for formulating policy toward industrialization and modernization of Viet Nam.President Thuong spoke highly of Prime Minister Kishida’s new economic package on the cycle of growth and fair distribution.

The handover of this extensive publication underscores Japan and Viet Nam's commitment to mutual cooperation and socio-economic progress, with ERIA playing a significant role in providing strategic policy recommendations. As both nations aim for enhanced economic prosperity, the insights garnered from the Viet Nam 2045 Project are set to guide impactful policies, shaping a promising future for their enduring partnership.

Viet Nam 2045: Development Issues and Challenges