Current trends in overseas expansion by Japanese companies: Doing business in Vietnam amid supply chain restructuring
Vietnam is evolving from an export-oriented manufacturing base into a strategic business hub that supports the growth of Japanese companies.
Against the backdrop of US-China tensions and increasing geopolitical risks, companies are accelerating supply chain diversification and restructuring. In this environment, Vietnam is becoming increasingly important as a business hub, leveraging its growing domestic market, strong manufacturing and high-tech sectors, and extensive network of free trade agreements (FTAs). As a result, Vietnam is now playing multiple roles across procurement, production, sales and exports.
Vietnam's evolving strategic position
In the first session, Yuta Yamaguchi, CPA and Senior Manager who will relocate to Forvis Mazars Vietnam in October 2026 to establish the Global Japan Desk, provided an overview of the current trends in overseas investment and expansion by Japanese companies. He also explored the shift from China+1 to Beyond China supply chain strategies, as well as Vietnam's growing concentration of manufacturing and high-tech industries and its market access opportunities through FTAs.
Practical considerations for capturing business opportunities
In the second session, Minh Nguyen, Head of Advisory at Forvis Mazars Vietnam, discussed Vietnam's latest foreign investment policies and emerging business opportunities. He also shared practical insights on key areas for operating in Vietnam, including company establishment, tax and accounting requirements, and personal data protection regulations.
We were also honoured to welcome two distinguished guest speakers: Noboru Kondo, President of Brainworks Corporation, who has extensive experience supporting business development in Vietnam, and Akemi Bando, Secretary General of the International Committee on Maternal and Child Health Handbook, who has contributed significantly to the introduction and promotion of maternal and child health handbooks in Vietnam. They shared valuable perspectives drawn from their professional experience and ongoing activities.
Following the seminar, participants joined a networking session where they actively exchanged ideas and insights on business development and international growth strategies in Vietnam.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who attended.
Forvis Mazars Global Japan Desk will continue to support Japanese companies in their international growth ambitions through our global network and local expertise across countries and regions.
