The National Committee for International Economic Cooperation and the People’s Committee of southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province held a seminar on December 14 to review the implementation of the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement over the last three years.

Addressing the event, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, Ho Van Nien, said the seminar aimed to create a venue for the two countries’ businesses to share information on import-export market and investment.

It also gave a chance for Vietnamese firms to discuss with representatives from international organisations, local and international experts relevant issues to strengthen cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.

During the seminar, participants exchanged views on the benefits that the agreement has brought to businesses from both countries, and the opportunities and prospects after the 3-year implementation of the agreement.

Local officials called for investment in the province’s industrial and economic zones, and sought investment opportunities with Japanese businesses in fields Vietnam excels.

The partnership agreement, which took effect in October, 2009, is the first of its kind for Vietnam . It opens up bilateral trade in services, reduces tariffs, and facilitates connection between relevant sectors to promote investment, expand trade and strengthen Vietnam-Japan economic ties.

Japan has exempted taxes for about 95 percent of goods imported from Vietnam, while Vietnam has also applied tax exemption for 88 percent of Japanese goods over the last 10 years. Two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and Japan has increased by 92 percent in the decade of liberalised trade.-VNA