(MPI) - Vietnam and Japan enjoy exceptionally special and longstanding relationship, which is built on solid foundations spanning politics, economics, culture, people-to-people exchanges, and is rapidly advancing in all sectors. Japan ranks first in terms of official development assistance (ODA) provision, second in labour cooperation, third in investment and tourism cooperation, fourth in trade, and fifth in tourism.

At the reception. Photo: MPI

Minister Dung made his speech while receiving Nakanishi Yusuke, House of Councilors of Japan in Hanoi on August 28, reaffirming that Japan is a key partner of Vietnam, particularly since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership for peace in Asia.

He expressed his gratitude for Japan’s ODA support which has significantly contributed to Vietnam's socio-economic development, poverty alleviation, and human resource development, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects like ports, airports, and highways.

Looking forward, Minister Dung proposed the two sides focusing on enhancing bilateral trade, attracting more Japanese FDI to Vietnam, boosting ODA cooperation, and strengthening collaboration in labor, cultural exchanges, tourism, and people-to-people relations. He also asked for continued robust cooperation in ODA sectors that align with the development strategies of both countries.

The minister urged Japan to consider providing new-generation ODA loans to Vietnam, focusing on major infrastructure projects such as roads, ports, airports, railways, including high-speed rail projects, urban rail projects, and short-line rails connecting dynamic economic regions to ports and airports. He emphasised the need for mutual support in areas like disaster management, climate change response, digital transformation, and green transitions.

Vietnam is currently revising many procedures related to investment cooperation activities, Minister said, adding his hope that Japan will also review the ODA project investment procedures to harmonise loan conditions and streamline and simplify procedures while still ensuring effective management.

Yusuke, for his part, expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s remarkable development and addressed Japan's ongoing interest and support through ODA.

He expressed a desire to help Vietnam achieve its goal of becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045, affirming the delegation would work closely with various Vietnamese ministries and agencies, regularly exchanging ideas to foster bilateral cooperation through ODA projects./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment