During a reception in Hanoi on June 9 for the new JapaneseAmbassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio, PM Phuc highlighted that the two countrieshave maintained exchange channels within both bilateral and multilateralframeworks despite the impacts of COVID-19, as well as worked closely togetherto successfully hold the online meeting of ASEAN 3 leaders on COVID-19response.
The new Japanese Ambassador, for his part, congratulatedVietnam on successfully fighting the pandemic. He expressed his belief thatonce COVID-19 is under control worldwide, Vietnam will become an attractivebusiness destination.
He added that he has also received the VietnameseGovernment’s support to bring Japanese experts to Vietnam.
The diplomat wished that the two nations would further boostmedical cooperation programme and facilitate Vietnamese trainees’ entry into Japan,thus tightening bilateral bonds.
PM Phuc informed the guest that the control of the pandemic hashelped Vietnam restore its socio-economic development in the “new normal”condition.
He proposed that both sides step up bilateral cooperation inthe post-COVID-19 period, including loosening immigration regulations.
Vietnam stays ready to welcome Japanese experts andinvestors to the country as well as send its trainees to Japan, with suitablequarantine measures, he said.
Noting that the Vietnamese legislature ratified the EuropeanUnion – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam InvestmentProtection Agreement (EVIPA), the PM said Vietnam supports the promotion ofhigh-quality capital flows to carry its economy forward.
He asked the ambassador to encourage Japanese firms toexpand operations in Vietnam, especially in high-tech agriculture, processingand support industries, and technological transfer.
Vietnam will continue improving its business climate andcreate favourable conditions for Japanese enterprises to do business in thecountry, he said.
In order to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from hurtingbilateral economic ties, the leader proposed further accelerating coordination.
About official development assistance (ODA), Phuc wishedthat the ambassador would work to accelerate the effective implementation ofjoint projects, continue assisting Vietnam in high-quality personnel training,administrative reform and e-government.
The PM suggested Japan continue working closely with Vietnamat regional and global forums, and back Vietnam’s stance on the East Sea issue.
Ambassador Yamada Takio voiced his hope that the two nationswill accelerate the progress of Japanese-invested projects in Vietnam, andpledged to do his best to further bolster bilateral relations./.