Vietnamese Leader Pushes Japan Ties, Eyes Healthcare and Market Access

The Vietnamese leader held discussions in Kanagawa prefecture focused on strengthening economic and social ties between Vietnam and Japan. The visit included meetings with Japanese governors and parliamentary figures, underscoring the importance both nations place on their relationship.

Healthcare cooperation emerged as a key area of focus during the visit. The Vietnamese official proposed introducing Kanagawa's ME-BYO preventive healthcare model in Vietnam, a framework aimed at improving quality of life for elderly residents. The model emphasizes disease prevention and wellness maintenance, addressing health challenges facing Vietnam's aging population.

Economic expansion was another central theme. The Vietnamese delegation encouraged Kanagawa to facilitate greater market access for Vietnamese businesses, while also promoting the prefecture's technological expertise and innovation resources. The initiative reflects efforts to deepen commercial partnerships and technology transfer between the two regions.

The visit also included cultural exchanges led by Vietnam's first lady, reflecting the people-to-people dimension of bilateral relations. Additional meetings with the co-leader of Japan's Innovation Party further demonstrated the breadth of engagement across political and sectoral lines, encompassing parliamentary cooperation, regional governance, and innovation partnerships.