PM: Vietnam welcomes investors from Japan’s Saitama prefecture

Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc reaffirmed the Vietnamese Government’s commitment to creating favourable conditions for foreign investors, including those from Japan’s Saitama prefecture, while receiving its Governor Kiyoshi Ueda on October 26.

PM Phuc said he is delighted to know that Ueda is accompanied by representatives from the prefecture’s business association and different banks during his Vietnam visit this time. This demonstrates Saitama enterprises’ wish to seek business and investment cooperation opportunities in Vietnam, he said.

He told the guests that Vietnam’s business and investment environment is favourable, hoping that Saitama enterprises will invest in all fields in the country.

Ueda briefed the Vietnamese leader on the outcomes of his meeting with leaders of the Ministry of Planning and Investment where they discussed measures to boost bilateral ties.

Saitama prefecture opened a business support office in Hanoi to help its enterprises which are investing or will invest in Vietnam, he stated.

Saitama enterprises are facing difficulties related to human resources, Ueda noted, suggesting both sides collaborate in this field.

Ueda also said that his prefecture holds much potential to boost trade and investment cooperation with Vietnam, as it currently ranks fifth out of 47 Japanese cities and prefectures in terms of economy, with gross domestic product (GDP) reaching around 190 billion USD a year.

Agreeing with the governor’s proposals, PM Phuc asked the prefecture to support its enterprises in investing in Vietnam in the spheres of its strength such as automobile industry, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.

He suggested both sides intensify cooperation in human resources training and education, and urged Saitama to receive more Vietnamese guest workers to help them improve their skills, especially in manufacturing and health sectors.

The two sides also need to boost cultural and people-to-people exchanges, particularly in 2018 when Vietnam and Japan are celebrating the 45th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties, thus helping tighten the bilateral relations, PM Phuc added.-VNA