Vietnam seeks deeper Japanese investment in infrastructure and AI
To Lam urged MUFG, Sumitomo and SoftBank to explore broader cooperation, from long-term infrastructure financing to AI data centres.
Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam called for Japanese companies to take a larger role in financing infrastructure and developing technology during meetings in Tokyo on November 11, VNA reported. He held talks with representatives of MUFG, Sumitomo Corporation and SoftBank during his official visit to Japan.
In discussions with MUFG President & Group CEO Hironori Kamezawa, Lam sought cooperation on raising long-term funding for strategic infrastructure, directing Japanese investment towards high-tech industries and supporting Vietnam’s international financial centre. He also asked the group to help Vietnam establish a stable, reputable presence in Japanese and international capital markets.
Kamezawa said MUFG wanted to broaden its role beyond conventional financial services by helping raise capital and connect businesses. He sought continued support from Vietnamese authorities for its partnership with VietinBank, enabling both banks to draw on their strengths in serving Vietnamese and foreign businesses.
Lam proposed a longer-term programme with Sumitomo covering industrial parks, infrastructure, sustainable urban development, the energy transition and digital transformation, alongside retail and insurance services. He asked the corporation to identify projects, locations, scale and implementation requirements, with responsibilities and timetables clearly assigned.
Sumitomo President and CEO Shingo Ueno said the company was participating in the North Hanoi Smart City project and FujiMart supermarket chain with BRG Group. He also cited insurance-related activities and recent investments in Vietnamese technology companies, affirming Sumitomo’s commitment to supporting the country’s sustainable growth.
SoftBank representatives said the group was interested in exploring Vietnamese AI data centres and associated digital infrastructure with local partners. Lam urged it to study an integrated AI infrastructure ecosystem rather than standalone facilities, incorporating technology choices, electricity supply, connectivity and phased development. He said training should begin within cooperation plans and cover engineers and experts capable of designing and operating such systems, as well as workers who run the facilities.
