(MPI) - Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc hosted a reception for Deputy Ambassador of Japan to Vietnam Ishikawa Isamu in Hanoi on December 5.

At the reception. Photo: MPI

Deputy Minister Ngoc emphasised the enduring and robust traditional relationship between Vietnam and Japan, which has evolved over many years, especially since the elevation of bilateral relations to the highest level, a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the world.

The business communities of the two nations have actively promoted cooperation and connectivity across various sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and human resource development. This has further deepened the economic cooperation Vietnam and Japan.

According to the deputy minister, economic, trade, and investment cooperation are considered the main pillars of the bilateral relationship. Japan remains Vietnam’s leading trade partner and the largest provider of ODA, aiding Vietnam in developing infrastructure and strategic industries.

Deputy Minister Ngoc urged the Japanese deputy ambassador and the Japanese Embassy continue working closely with the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) to further vigorously implement the Vietnam-Japan Joint Initiative in the new area, developing sectors and areas prioritised by both sides, thereby enhancing the cooperation to be stronger, deeper, and more substantial and efficient.

For his part, Ishikawa affirmed that the MPI is an important and reliable partner of the Japanses Embassy. With the upgraded relationship of a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the world”, he suggested both sides need to undertake specific actions and cooperation to meet the expectations of the two people and businesses, and to promote the development of each nation as well as bilateral relations.

Japan is always ready to support Vietnam in realizing its goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045, cooperating in fields where Vietnam has needs and Japan has strengths such as high technology, digital transformation, green transition, digital economy, infrastructure, and transportation.

Particularly, the Vietnam - Japan joint initiative in the new era demonstrated the special and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, and is a cooperation framework that in line with Vietnam’s socio-economic development strategy and policies. Five major groups of issues include the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), green transition, innovation, and digital transformation, the strengthening of the supply chain, the training of high-quality IT, AI, and semiconductor human resources, and the reform of mechanisms to improve the business climate.

The Japanese Deputy Ambassador expressed his wish to receive continued cooperation of the MPI and related agencies to further implement the agreed contents between the two Governments, achieving more practical and comprehensive results./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Invesment