HCMC – Japan is a strategic partner of top importance to Vietnam, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed at a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide and President of the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Union Nikai Toshihiro in Tokyo on November 23 as part of his four-day official visit to Japan.
Chinh spoke highly of the robust and comprehensive growth of the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership in diverse areas, including economy, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
He thanked Suga, Nikai and the Japanese Government for donating Covid-19 vaccines to Vietnam and the contributions of the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Union to the development of the relationship between the two countries.
Nikai affirmed that the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance would further contribute to bilateral relations by promoting activities to enhance the friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries’ peoples, especially the younger generation, thereby creating new opportunities for multifaceted cooperation.
On this occasion, Chinh attended a ceremony marking the export of the Unshu mandarin, a specialty fruit of Japan, to Vietnam. This is part of the two countries’ efforts to boost mutual fruit trading, including Vietnamese longan and lychees.
On the same day, the Vietnamese prime minister visited Tochigi Prefecture and held talks with Governor of the prefecture Fukuda Tomikazu, during which they discussed the potential for cooperation between Vietnamese provinces and Tochigi Prefecture.
At the event, Chinh witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between Vinh Phuc Province of Vietnam and Tochigi Prefecture.
He thanked Governor Fukuda and the Tochigi Prefecture administration for creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community living and working in the prefecture during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chinh suggested that Tochigi Prefecture foster exchanges and cooperation with Vietnamese localities, particularly in medical equipment production, manufacturing and processing and agriculture.
He also proposed Tochigi Prefecture share its experience in sustainable development with Vietnam through all-level delegation exchanges and support local businesses to strengthen economic, trade and investment ties with Vietnam.
Chinh affirmed that the Vietnamese Government would create conditions for Tochigi’s investors to do business successfully in Vietnam.
According to Fukuda, 22 companies from the prefecture currently have projects in Vietnam. The Vietnamese community in the prefecture is now the largest foreign community in Tochigi with 8,000 people, he said.
Tochigi Prefecture wishes to foster cooperation with more cities and provinces in Vietnam and receive more highly-skilled workers and technical apprentices from Vietnam.
Addressing a conference on cooperation between Vietnamese and Japanese localities, Chinh said Vietnam has a stable political environment and its relationship with Japan is at its best, thus offering favorable opportunities for businesses in Tochigi, especially Japan, to invest in Vietnam.
He suggested that Tochigi and Japanese businesses prioritize climate change response, healthcare capacity improvement, clean energy, green energy and the digital economy when investing in Vietnam.
