Vietnamese Party official meets Japanese trade minister

Hanoi (VNA) - Politburo member Pham Minh Chinh met Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshige Seko in Hanoi on September 14.

Chinh, also Head of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission and Chairman of the Vietnam – Japan Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, expressed his delight at growing Vietnam – Japan relations and trade.

Last year, Japan was the second biggest foreign investor in Vietnam.

Exchanges of high-ranking delegations have helped political ties reach the highest point to date, Chinh said.

He noted the contributions of the Vietnam – Japan and Japan – Vietnam friendship parliamentarians’ groups to the thriving relationship via boosting exchanges between the peoples and young parliamentarians, and implementing educational and cultural projects.

The official requested the two countries’ trade bodies continue effectively implementing agreements signed, particularly in commerce, industry and energy.

He said he hopes Japan will soon allow Vietnamese fresh fruit, firstly lychees and longan, to enter the market, and further support Vietnam’s industrialisation strategy.

He stressed the importance of energy cooperation, including building high-productivity and environmentally friendly coal-fired thermal plans and a smart grid for Vietnam.

Chinh asked the Japanese side to continue assisting Vietnam in global integration and capacity building for free trade agreements. 

For his part, Hiroshige Seko highlighted encouraging outcomes of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to Japan last June, with several bilateral pacts inked.

He said his host, as head of the Vietnam – Japan Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, has contributed significantly to bilateral relations.

The minister stated his ministry will continue working closely with Vietnamese agencies to enhance ties.-VNA