On November 4, 2023, the VNU Investment Promotion Conference 2023 was held at the Hoa Lac Campus of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU). The Japan-Vietnam University (VJU) organized a seminar to discuss ways to promote Japanese business cooperation and investments.
Mr. Takeo Nakajima, the Chief Representative of JETRO Hanoi (Japan External Trade Organization), addressed the challenges that Japanese enterprises face in Vietnam. These challenges include rising procurement costs and increased labor expenses. To tackle these issues, Japanese companies tend to shift their focus from commodity production to research and development (R&D) and other high-value-added activities. Mr. Nakajima expressed his expectations regarding the potential for Japanese companies to collaborate with universities in Vietnam to enhance productivity and engage in R&D activities.
Mr. Takeo Nakajima, the Chief Representative of JETRO Hanoi
Dr. Hoang Thi Thu Duyen from the VJU R&D Department highlighted the educational and research activities at VJU. She also discussed the research groups, achievements, and showcased some of the industry-academia collaborations in various research fields. She raised an appeal for investment in two main sectors: (1) Opening short courses/training courses regarding (i) – Business administration, (ii) – Food and beverage techs, (iii) – Agro-Tourism skills, (iv) – Mechatronics, (v) – Develop agriculture for raw material demand in industries of food and medicine, and (2) Producing products at pilot scales including (i) products from rice; (ii) cosmetics from rice; (iii) deep processing of coffee.
Dr. Hoang Thi Thu Duyen – Standing Deputy Chief of R&D Promotion and Cooperation Development Office
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hien, the director of the Vietnam–Japan Institute of Human Resource Development (VJCC), discussed their efforts in developing human resources to attract Japanese investment. Mr. Vuong Thanh Long, Executive Vice President, Head of the FDI Banking Department BIDV, presented strategies to promote investments by Japanese companies in Vietnam. Mr. Tran Viet Dung, Director of VJU’s Project Management Department, outlined VJU’s development plans for the Hoa Lac Campus and the investment opportunities available at the university.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hien, the director of the Vietnam–Japan Institute of Human Resource Development (VJCC)
Mr. Vuong Thanh Long, Executive Vice President, Head of the FDI Banking Department BIDV
Mr. Tran Viet Dung, Director of VJU’s Project Management Department
With continuous support from both Japanese and Vietnamese stakeholders, the VJU’s Construction Project (funded by Japan ODA Loan) is going to contribute to the development of VJU’s facilities in Hoa Lac in the upcoming years. The Project will add roughly 118,000 m2 of administrative and support facilities, classrooms, laboratories, Vietnam – Japan cultural space, as well as areas for Industry – Academy Collaboration. Meanwhile, the reserved land (with a total floor area of more than 600,000 m2) in both Hoa Lac High Tech Park Zone and Vietnam National University, Hanoi Zone is open and encouraged for the investment from private sector, especially Japanese companies.
In response to questions about the human resource needs of Japanese companies, Mr. Nakajima emphasized that while specialized knowledge and skills are crucial, the ability to adapt to changing demands and stay updated with the latest technologies is equally essential. In his words, “Even if you learn the latest technology today, it may be replaced by something else in five years, and the requirements for human resources will change accordingly.”
The seminar was attended by approximately 70 participants, including VNU President Prof. Dr. Le Quan, representatives from VNU functional departments, JICA, corporate stakeholders, VJU Rectorate Board, functional offices, faculties, and students. The event concluded on a positive note with many insightful questions and comments from the participants.
