Vinh Long and Ehime (Japan) Strengthen Economic Cooperation for Sustainable Development
Amid the elevation of the Vietnam–Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vinh Long Province is proactively strengthening international economic cooperation to promote sustainable development and attract high-quality investment. The cooperation agreement with Ehime Prefecture, Japan marks a significant milestone, creating long-term opportunities for business connectivity and collaboration in key sectors such as trade, industry, high-tech agriculture, and human resource development.
Vinh Long – Ehime economic cooperation ushers in a new development phase
On January 12, 2026, the People’s Committee of Vinh Long province and the administration of Ehime Prefecture, Japan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on economic cooperation at the Vinh Long Conference Center. This milestone signifies a strengthened economic partnership between the two localities and reinforces Vietnam–Japan cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.
Under the agreement, economic cooperation between Vinh Long and Ehime will target key sectors such as trade, industry, investment, technology, and human resources training—all essential to fostering sustainable economic development that benefits both regions.
Promoting sustainable economic development through enhanced cooperation
The economic cooperation between Vinh Long and Ehime goes beyond formal agreements. Both sides pledged to enhance information exchange and organize business-oriented activities including trade networking conferences, business matching events, and technology workshops. These initiatives aim to generate concrete business opportunities and facilitate enterprise-level expansion in both local economies.
Priority cooperation areas include agro-processing of forestry and fishery products, as well as projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as climate change adaptation efforts. This demonstrates that economic cooperation between Vinh Long and Ehime is designed not only for growth in GDP but also for quality and sustainable development.
In addition, human resources initiatives such as technical intern exchange programs will bolster workforce development, enabling knowledge transfer and sustainable economic contributions for both localities.
Strategic advantages and prospects of Vinh Long–Ehime economic cooperation
Vinh Long Province boasts strong economic foundations including advanced industrial infrastructure, renewable energy potential, diversified agriculture, cultural tourism, and educational systems. These advantages provide a solid platform for deepening economic cooperation with Ehime.
In 2025, Vinh Long’s exports to Japan surpassed USD 767 million, while imports from Japan exceeded USD 241 million. The province also hosts 15 Japanese FDI projects totaling more than USD 341 million, reflecting robust investor confidence and the broad prospects of economic cooperation between Vinh Long and Ehime.
The recent administrative merger of Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, and Vinh Long into a larger Vinh Long Province—with a population of about 3.2 million and an estimated USD 11 billion economic scale—further enhances the region’s capacity to attract investment and deepen international economic engagement.
Business linkages drive economic cooperation forward
Coinciding with the MoU signing, Vinh Long organized a business connectivity forum attended by nearly 80 enterprises from both Vinh Long and Ehime. The forum served as a practical platform for business representatives to discuss collaboration opportunities and accelerate the implementation of commitments outlined in the Vinh Long–Ehime economic cooperation agreement.
Leaders from Vinh Long expressed confidence that, built on the Vietnam–Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and mutual goodwill, economic cooperation with Ehime will continue to deepen. Key focus areas for future collaboration include human resource development, high-tech agriculture, processing and logistics, tourism, and cultural exchange—all integral to sustainable development for both regions.
The expansion of economic cooperation and the signing of the partnership agreement with Ehime Prefecture, Japan underscore Vinh Long Province’s strong commitment to international integration, high-quality investment attraction, and sustainable development. Built upon the Vietnam–Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, cooperation between the two localities is expected to generate new growth momentum while unlocking long-term opportunities in key sectors such as industry, high-tech agriculture, logistics, human resource development, and business connectivity—thereby strengthening Vinh Long’s position within regional and global value chains.
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