Strengthening Vietnam-Japan cooperation in ICT and semiconductor sectors

A Vietnamese delegation led by Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung visited Japan on August 5 and met with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), aiming to boost cooperation in ICT and semiconductors.

At the meeting, Kozuki Ryosuki, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, shared Japan’s experience in developing these industries, and said the semiconductor industry is as important as the automobile industry. Japan is focusing on mobilising resources and supporting businesses to develop key technologies such as semiconductors and AI. However, Japan is also facing some difficulties, such as ensuring human resources for these industries.

In response, Minister Hung outlined how Vietnam has built major policies and strategies on the development of the ICT and semiconductor industries, which focus on accelerating the training and development of human resources. Vietnamese digital technology enterprises are currently investing in and providing services and technology solutions to partners in Japan.

Regarding digital infrastructure development, the two sides discussed and agreed to strengthen cooperation in developing 5G Open-RAN equipment, helping businesses in the two countries to deploy and jointly research and develop new products to supply international markets.

Following the upgrade of ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023, the two sides have agreed to promote new cooperation programmes and initiatives at different levels to reach their potential, pushing the ICT and semiconductor industries to new levels.

As part of the visit, the Vietnamese delegation also met with major mobile carriers NTT Docomo and Rakuten to discuss deploying 5G according to OpenRAN standards.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung at the meeting with NTT Docomo and Rakuten

Japanese mobile carriers have basically deployed 5G OpenRAN, while Rakuten has mastered the entire cloud-based processing software system and now only purchases radar parts, thus significantly reducing investment costs.

Attending the working sessions, Vietnamese telcos and Japanese mobile network operators discussed the possibility of promoting cooperation in research and development of new technologies, services and products. They also spoke about jointly investing in data centres, providing 5G solutions according to OpenRAN standards in both countries. Vietnamese technology businesses shared the results of research and development of 5G equipment in Vietnam, which is ready to provide to network operators in Japan.

Vietnam is moving to develop the semiconductor industry. The country is seeking to boost international cooperation to attract resources, and to help Vietnamese technology firms to expand their footprints overseas. The cooperation with Japan is part of the country’s efforts.

Vietnam has been attracting many large corporations in the ICT and semiconductor industries, including those from the United States, South Korea, Japan, and European countries.

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