On the morning of August 7, 2025, a seminar on “A 30-Year Journey of Localization and Supporting Industry Development” was held at Toyota Vietnam (Phuc Yen Ward, Phu Tho Province). The seminar was part of a series of events recognizing Toyota Vietnam’s 30 years of efforts to promote localization and develop supporting industries, and sharing its sustainable development strategy for the coming period.

An overview of the seminar

Representing National Economics University (NEU) at the seminar were Dr. Vu Tuan Anh, Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting, along with representatives of several units and lecturers.

Invited guests included Pham Van Quan, Deputy Director General of the Industry Agency, Ministry of Industry and Trade; Chu Viet Cuong, Acting Director of the Industrial Development Support Center (IDC), Ministry of Industry and Trade; Do Phuong Chi, Head of the Department of Improvement Consulting and Business Connections at IDC, Ministry of Industry and Trade; Dao Tien Cong, a representative of the Vinh Phuc Department of Industry and Trade (now part of Phu Tho Province); Dr. Luu Thi Lan Anh from Hanoi University of Science and Technology; and leadership representatives from several businesses.

Representing Toyota Vietnam were Nakano Keita, General Director of Toyota Vietnam; Hoang Tung Lam, Senior Specialist with the rank of Department Head in the Department of External Business Strategy; and Nantawat Tananuwat, Head of the Department of Production Planning.

Nakano Keita, General Director of Toyota Vietnam, speaks at the seminar

Speaking at the seminar, Nakano Keita, General Director of Toyota Vietnam, said, “We believe that promoting domestic production and strengthening the capabilities of Vietnamese businesses will contribute to sustainable economic growth, technology transfer, and enhanced national competitiveness.”

Over 30 years of operation, Toyota Vietnam has built a network of 61 suppliers, including 13 domestic suppliers. More than 1,000 localized components have been exported to more than 10 countries, generating total revenue of nearly USD 1 billion. In March 2025, Toyota Vietnam rolled out its 700,000th vehicle, becoming the first company in Vietnam to reach a total production volume of 700,000 vehicles. By July 2025, the company reached a cumulative total of 1,000,000 vehicles—a historic milestone in the domestic automobile manufacturing industry.

Speaking at the seminar, Pham Van Quan, Deputy Director General of the Industry Agency, Ministry of Industry and Trade, recognized Toyota Vietnam’s efforts in working with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to implement a program supporting Vietnamese businesses in improving productivity and quality through training. He noted that Toyota Vietnam’s current localization rate remained below the Government’s target. He expressed his hope that Toyota Vietnam would continue to support Vietnamese businesses and increase its localization rate in line with the Government’s target in the coming period.

Dr. Vu Tuan Anh, Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting at NEU, shares his views at the seminar

At the seminar, Dr. Vu Tuan Anh, Director of the Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting at NEU, praised Toyota Vietnam’s role in implementing numerous training programs in business management and production management, helping Vietnamese businesses improve productivity and quality. In particular, Toyota Vietnam’s direct involvement in training nearly 200 domestic manufacturing businesses has contributed significantly to technology transfer, workforce training, and supplier capacity building, thereby promoting localization and integrating Vietnam’s automotive industry more deeply into global value chains. He also noted that the figure of 13 domestic suppliers, including three in Vinh Phuc, was far too modest relative to the potential. Dr. Vu Tuan Anh expressed his hope that the company would offer more support programs for Vietnamese businesses.

Regarding training content, Dr. Vu Tuan Anh noted that current programs still focused primarily on basic knowledge of shop floor management and 5S. As the automotive industry integrates more deeply into global value chains, specialized training courses need to be expanded, particularly those addressing the capacity to manufacture high-precision components—an area in which many domestic businesses still face limitations. This will be a key factor in helping Vietnamese businesses meet the stringent requirements of multinational corporations and strengthen their position in international supply chains.

Also at the seminar, Dr. Vu Tuan Anh discussed Toyota Vietnam’s strategy for the coming period in the context of implementing the Prime Minister’s Directive No. 20/CT-TTg, which sets out measures to gradually restrict vehicles using fossil fuels and promote a shift toward vehicles using clean, environmentally friendly energy.

Responding to issues raised by participants, representatives of Toyota Vietnam’s leadership outlined the difficulties the company currently faces and solutions to address them. They affirmed the company’s commitment to providing long-term support for Vietnam’s automotive and supporting industries, continuing to invest strongly in localization, and increasing support for domestic businesses to meet global standards, while pursuing advanced technological solutions aligned with trends toward sustainable development, modernization, and integration under the Government’s long-term direction.

The seminar on “A 30-Year Journey of Localization and Supporting Industry Development” not only provided an occasion to reflect on Toyota Vietnam’s three decades of engagement with the domestic automotive industry, but also opened up numerous opportunities for cooperation and development in a new period. Through its commitment to continued support, technology transfer, and capacity building for Vietnamese businesses, Toyota Vietnam reaffirmed its pioneering role in promoting localization, helping bring Vietnam’s automotive industry closer to the goal of deeper and broader integration into global value chains.

Some images from the seminar:

Article and photos: Center for Economic and Business Research and Consulting and Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.