The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has reinforced its dedication to bolstering Vietnam’s economic growth through significant investments in infrastructure, energy, and technology projects. In a meeting with Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng, JBIC Governor Maeda Tadashi announced the bank’s ongoing commitment to 15 projects under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative, with a total investment of around $20 billion. Governor Maeda also assured continued support for energy projects under the Partnership for Energy Resilience and Resource Asia (POWERR Asia) initiative.
Prime Minister Hưng expressed appreciation for JBIC’s enduring partnership and its financial backing of Japanese-supported projects in Vietnam. He noted the progress in Vietnam-Japan relations since both nations upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership nearly three years ago. The prime minister emphasized that collaboration has expanded into emerging fields like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, renewable energy, green technology, and space development, beyond the traditional sectors.
Highlighting the potential for deeper bilateral cooperation, Hưng urged JBIC to enhance its role in attracting investments for strategic infrastructure and industrial development. He called for the establishment of financing and investment guarantee mechanisms to support industrial clusters, innovation hubs, and high-tech manufacturing in Vietnam. Additionally, he encouraged JBIC to increase its support for public-private partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and technology transfers, while advocating for more Japanese investment in sectors such as semiconductors, AI, batteries, advanced materials, and critical minerals.
Governor Maeda responded positively to Vietnam’s development priorities, agreeing with the proposals made during their discussion. He stressed that while Japan remains Vietnam’s largest source of official development assistance, private-sector investment will be crucial for sustaining economic growth. Drawing from JBIC’s experience with public-private partnerships, Maeda highlighted the bank’s readiness to enhance collaboration in attracting international financing and supporting long-term development projects.
Looking forward, JBIC will continue partnering with Vietnam to advance the remaining AZEC projects and support power, oil, and gas developments aimed at boosting the country’s energy security. Maeda also shared that the bank is working on partnerships with third countries to develop Vietnam’s semiconductor supply chains, AI ecosystem, and data center infrastructure. Furthermore, JBIC is aiding Vietnamese startups through venture capital initiatives and exploring collaboration on the Vietnam International Financial Centre and broader cultural exchange programs, signifying the growing strength of the Vietnam-Japan economic partnership.