Japanese news agency Kyodo ran articles highlighting Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide’s official visit to Viet Nam, including his talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc on 19 October, during which the two are expected to discuss numerous issues, particularly economic cooperation.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Japanese counterpart Suga Yoshihide visit President Ho Chi Minh relic site in the Presidential Palace (Source: VNA)

During the bilateral talks, Suga is expected to promote efforts to achieve a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” and agree with Phuc to facilitate the cross-border flow of medical supplies and other goods, Kyodo reported, citing sources of Japanese officials.

Japan is looking to diversify its supply chain to mitigate risks brought to light by the COVID-19 crisis, including its reliance on Chinese imports for face masks.

The government is handing out subsidies to firms that move production to Southeast Asia, which is both geographically well-placed and can provide relatively cheap labour.

Of the 30 firms chosen so far to receive the subsidies, ranging from manufacturers of medical gowns and disinfectant wipes to car engine parts, half are planning to set up in Viet Nam.

The Japanese PM is also slated later in the day to make a policy speech at the Viet Nam Japan University, which opened in 2016 with funding from both countries.

After meeting with other Vietnamese political leaders, Suga will fly to Jakarta on 19 October, the second leg of his first foreign trip since taking office, for talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Source: VNA