Vietnam values contributions of Japanese investors

Tokyo (VNA) – Japanese firms have contributed significantly to the development of Vietnam’s economy, stated Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung at a meeting with Sakakibara Sadayuki, Chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) in Japan on April 12.

Keidanren, the biggest business organisation in Japan, consists of more than 1,000 enterprises and 100 associations.

At the meeting, Minister Dung said his ongoing visit to Japan aims to convey the Vietnamese Government’s appreciation for support and cooperation from Japan, particularly its business community.

He highlighted the importance of Japan’s official development assistance for Vietnam, saying it has helped the country form key parts of its economic infrastructure.

Vietnam wants to share new visions and orientations with Japan, thus improving the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, the official added.

He also lauded Keidanren’s efforts in promoting investment in Vietnam, expecting the federation to maintain its work with Vietnam, help the Vietnamese Government improve the business climate and encourage more Japanese investors to enter the country.

For his part, Sakakibara Sadayuki said Vietnam and Japan shared a partnership of mutual trust with abundant cooperation opportunities.

Pointing to the 1,500 Japanese firms currently investing in Vietnam, Sakakibara asked for further support from the Vietnamese Government for the firms.

Stressing that 60 Japanese enterprises joined Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on his official visit to Vietnam in January 2017, the Keidanren Chairman said he believes in the desire to boost trade with Vietnam from the Japanese Government and businesses.

The same day, Minister Dung attended a conference on investment opportunities in Vietnam’s infrastructure development, transport and energy sectors, which took place at Keidanren’s headquarters.

In his speech, the Vietnamese official acknowledged effective operations by Japanese investors in Vietnam, who he called “economic diplomats”.

He pledged that the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam is willing to create the best conditions possible for Japanese firms to invest in the country.

Japan is currently Vietnam’s second biggest foreign investor with 3,355 projects worth 42.49 billion USD.-VNA