Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has affirmed that Viet Nam always considers Japan one of the most important and long-term partners and wants to further deepen the extensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio (Photo: VNA)

During a reception in Ha Noi on June 9 for the new Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Yamada Takio, PM Phuc highlighted that the two countries have maintained exchange channels within both bilateral and multilateral frameworks despite the impacts of Covid-19, as well as worked closely together to successfully hold the online meeting of ASEAN 3 leaders on Covid-19 response.

The new Japanese Ambassador, for his part, congratulated Viet Nam on successfully fighting the pandemic. He expressed his belief that once Covid-19 is under control worldwide, Viet Nam will become an attractive business destination.

He added that he has also received the Vietnamese Government’s support to bring Japanese experts to Viet Nam.

The diplomat wished that the two nations would further boost medical cooperation programme and facilitate Vietnamese trainees’ entry into Japan, thus tightening bilateral bonds.

PM Phuc informed the guest that the control of the pandemic has helped Viet Nam restore its socio-economic development in the “new normal” condition.

He proposed that both sides step up bilateral cooperation in the post-Covid-19 period, including loosening immigration regulations.

Viet Nam stays ready to welcome Japanese experts and investors to the country as well as send its trainees to Japan, with suitable quarantine measures, he said.

Noting that the Vietnamese legislature ratified the European Union – Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), the PM said Viet Nam supports the promotion of high-quality capital flows to carry its economy forward.

He asked the ambassador to encourage Japanese firms to expand operations in Viet Nam, especially in high-tech agriculture, processing and support industries, and technological transfer.

Viet Nam will continue improving its business climate and create favourable conditions for Japanese enterprises to do business in the country, he said.

In order to prevent the Covid-19 pandemic from hurting bilateral economic ties, the leader proposed further accelerating coordination.

About official development assistance (ODA), Phuc wished that the ambassador would work to accelerate the effective implementation of joint projects, continue assisting Viet Nam in high-quality personnel training, administrative reform and e-government.

The PM suggested Japan continue working closely with Viet Nam at regional and global forums, and back Viet Nam’s stance on the East Sea issue.

Ambassador Yamada Takio voiced his hope that the two nations will accelerate the progress of Japanese-invested projects in Viet Nam, and pledged to do his best to further bolster bilateral relations.

Source: VNA