The remarks were made at a Japanese culinary culture promotion event organized by JETRO Ho Chi Minh at the Residence of Consul-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City on June 17. The event was part of the FY2026 Japan Food Export Platform Project for Vietnam and brought together chefs, importers, distributors and related industry representatives from both countries.
Speaking at the event, Okabe Mitsutoshi, Chief Representative of JETRO Ho Chi Minh Office, said Vietnam's population of more than 100 million and strong economic growth make it an important market for Japanese agricultural and food products.
"Vietnam ranks sixth among importers of Japanese agricultural, forestry, fishery and food products. We believe there is considerable room for Japan to expand exports to Vietnam and to build sustainable business channels in the coming years," he said.
Okabe Mitsutoshi, Chief Representative of JETRO Ho Chi Minh Office, speaks at a Japanese culinary culture promotion event in Ho Chi Minh City on June 17, 2026. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran
Okabe noted that the growth of Vietnam's middle class and higher-income consumers has contributed to rising demand for Japanese food products. Popular items include Wagyu beef, seafood such as scallops and salmon, sake, shochu.
