Japanese firms target Vietnamese component suppliers

A major industrial exhibition series kicked off at the International Exhibition Center.in Hanoi on August 6, including the Vietnam Manufacturing Expo 2025 (VME) and the Vietnam–Japan Supporting Industries Exhibition 2025 (SIE). 

According to Mr. Haruhiko Ozasa, Chief Representative of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in Hanoi, 20 Japanese companies are participating in the exhibition with a specific goal of sourcing raw materials and components from Vietnamese firms. Correspondingly, 20 Vietnamese suppliers are present, eager to meet this demand.

"This SIE exhibition will contribute to the development of Vietnam's supporting industry, further promote the procurement of materials and components from local suppliers by Japanese companies, and further strengthen the partnership between our two countries," Mr. Ozasa said.

Mr. ATANABE Takakazu, Minister at the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, said that Vietnam is solidifying its position as a key destination for export-oriented manufacturing. He added that Japanese companies are increasingly viewing Vietnam as a prime destination for business expansion and a top choice for new overseas investment.

Representing the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Mr. Vu Ba Phu, Director General of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), emphasized that Vietnam's supporting industry is steadily solidifying its crucial role in the global production chain, especially amid the significant supply chain shifts occurring in Southeast Asia.

However, Mr. Phu also acknowledged the challenges.

"Despite positive results and clear progress, Vietnam's supporting industry remains nascent and has weaknesses in certain sub-sectors," he said. This reality, he concluded, demands "comprehensive and viable solutions to foster sustainable development for Vietnam's supporting industries in the current climate".