Tokyo (VNA) – A seminar was held on June 20 to promote labour cooperation between Vietnam and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Japan’s Kyushu region.
Jointly hosted by the Vietnamese Consulate General in Fukuoka and the Vietnam–Kyushu Business Promotion Association, the event aimed to connect Vietnamese labour-sending companies with Japanese SMEs seeking workers, particularly in the context of Japan’s ageing population and labour shortages.
Vietnamese Consul General in Fukuoka Vu Chi Mai highlighted the growing demand for Vietnamese workers in Kyushu, especially in Fukuoka, Oita, and Saga prefectures. Currently, the region employs about 35,000 Vietnamese manual workers and over 5,000 IT engineers. She also noted expanding cooperation in high-quality fields such as semiconductors, AI, and green technologies.
The seminar facilitated direct dialogue between the two sides, helping businesses build sustainable partnerships and explore opportunities to sign agreements that benefit both employers and Vietnamese workers. The Consulate General pledged to continue support for transparent recruitment and a stable, safe working environment for Vietnamese labourers in Japan.
Speakers from both countries emphasised the importance of mutual understanding, cultural integration, and legal clarity in overcoming challenges such as language barriers and differing expectations.
Japanese employers praised Vietnamese workers for their diligence, adaptability, and swift integration, particularly in care work, construction, food processing, and manufacturing.
Participants also proposed streamlining administrative procedures and improving transparency to reduce costs and risks.
The event concluded with a networking reception, fostering further exchanges and long-term partnership opportunities.
The seminar was part of a broader series of economic diplomacy initiatives by the Consulate General in Fukuoka throughout 2025, aimed at deepening Vietnam–Kyushu cooperation in areas of shared strength and potential./
