Vietnam continues to boost reform and renew its economy as it heads towards the target of becoming an industrialised country by 2020, Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan said.

The Vice President made this statement at the International Conference, “The Future of Asia” held in Tokyo from May 24-25.

In her speech at the second day’s session, Doan highlighted Vietnam ’s achievements after more than 25 years of modernisation and international integration.

She also spoke highly of Japan ’s important role in cooperation with ASEAN, Mekong River sub-regional countries and Vietnam .

She expressed her belief that with efforts, creativity and close cooperation, regional countries will surmount existing difficulties and jointly build new, appropriate growth models, contributing to development and prosperity in the region.

She stressed the necessity of enhancing capacity for institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Trade Organisation to participate in and effectively address challenges as well as economic and financial changes in the world.

Vice President Doan also called on nations to join hands in sharing responsibility, while cooperating to cope with challenges.

On the sidelines of the conference, Vice President Doan received leaders of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association and the Japan International Friendship Exchange Council (FEC).

At the meetings, she thanked the two associations for boosting cultural exchanges among the two countries’ people.

She said she hopes both associations will continue activities in preparation for the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2013.-VNA