President Truong Tan Sang met with high-profile Japanese officials and business executives in Tokyo on March 18, expressing hope that they will offer more support to Vietnam’s growth.

At a reception for President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Tanaka Akihiko, Sang suggested JICA as the Japanese government’s coordinating agency on ODA cooperation further assists Vietnam in building specialised industrial zones in Hai Phong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau as soon as possible, as part of efforts to realise Vietnam’s industrialisation strategy.

Hailing Vietnam’s automated cargo clearance system, he sought Japan’s commitment to the project’s second phase and called for JICA’s attention to the ongoing construction of Bach Dang Bridge linking with the Quang Ninh – Hanoi - Hai Phong triangle, besides Van Tien Bridge and Van Don economic zone.

Sang said his visit gives priority to agriculture and personnel training cooperation. He affirmed that the Government of Vietnam will direct ministries and agencies to effectively carry out projects funded by Japan’s official development assistance as scheduled.

Akihiko confirmed that JICA values its partnership with Vietnam and will launch key projects in the coming time.

Welcoming Executive Managing Director of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Hiroshi Watanabe, the State leader asked JBIC to help Japanese firms expand operations in Vietnam.

The country will further improve its business climate, making it easier for Japanese enterprises to operate effectively, he promised.

Watanabe said JBIC stands ready to provide 10-15 year credit packages for Vietnam’s infrastructure projects and coordinate joint work in the public-private partnership model.

The same day, Sang also met with business executives of Japan’s Daiwa Security, Mitsubishi and OPC Foundation, during which he noted the potential of all-around links between the two nations remains huge.

According to the President, Vietnam’s industrialisation strategy, with six priority fields and progress in regional economic linkage such as the future ASEAN Community and the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, will open up new economic cooperation opportunities.

He asked them to do their part to promote Japanese investment inflows into Vietnam, which in turn will provide them with all possible business incentives.

Holding a working session with President of the Japan–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance (JVPFA) Nikai Toshihiro, the Vietnamese leader hailed JVPFA’s initiative to establish the Vietnam–Japan University in Hanoi, expressing hope that it will generate qualified graduates for Vietnam and the region at large.

Both sides also openly discussed measures to beef up the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Also on the day, President Sang received President of the Japanese Democratic Party Banri Kaieda and President of Your Party Yoshimi Watanabe.-VNA