Dialogue helps iron out snags for Japanese firms

Hanoi (VNA) - Japanese enterprises raised concerns over institutions and policies in Vietnam during a dialogue on December 21, which were then cleared up by representatives from Vietnamese ministries and agencies.

The dialogue was jointly held by the Government Office, the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council for Administrative Procedure Reform, and the Japanese Embassy.

This is the fifth dialogue with domestic and foreign enterprises organised by the council so far this year, and the first with Japanese businesses.

Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung, who is also president of the council, said that with synchronous, drastic, and effective measures against COVID-19, Vietnam has embarked on the “new normal”, with rosy signs in production and business, especially industrial production and exports and imports.

The Government and the PM have promptly instructed ministries, agencies, and localities to adopt solutions in an effort to recover the national economy, promote the disbursement of public investment, and ensure social welfare and social safety and order, while revamping the operations of State administrative agencies, he added.

Dung told the dialogue that the Government has cut 239 business conditions so far this year, and issued a document on the implementation of administrative procedures online.

He cited a report from the Ministry of Planning and Investment saying that Vietnam’s economic growth is expected to reach 2.6-3 percent this year. It is the only country in Southeast Asia and one of very few in Asia-Pacific to post growth.

Vietnam is also one of 16 emerging markets most successful amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the report.

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio also lauded Vietnam’s efforts in the pandemic fight.


In the first 11 months of this year, Vietnam’s import-export value was 489 billion USD worth, up 3.5 percent year-on-year, he said, stressing that the country is directly benefiting from the diversification of global supply chains.

The ambassador also commended the extensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan.

He said the key for Vietnam’s rapid economic recovery is the resumption of commercial flights, the improvement of public investment disbursement, foreign investment attraction, and administrative reform.

The organisation of the dialogue demonstrates Vietnam’s efforts to push ahead with administrative reform, improve the local business climate, and attract foreign investment.

According to the diplomat, of the 81 Japanese firms receiving Government support, 37 have decided to select Vietnam as their investment destination. Fifty-five Japanese businesses will establish their headquarters in the country.

Japan will continue to support its enterprises to operate in Vietnam, he affirmed./.