(MPI) - Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung and Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam YAMADA Takio agreed to enhance the trade and investment cooperation in the time ahead to bring it on par with Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia, during a working session in Hanoi on October 31.

Minister Nguyen Chi Dung and Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam YAMADA Takio. Photo: MPI

Minister Dung expressed his delight at the increasingly strong, effective and comprehensive development of Vietnam-Japan relations in multiple areas, which is on the best stage of development.

The minister said, the Government of Vietnam always wishes to further deepen its ties with Japan towards being comprehensive partner in all fields. He called for the Japanese Government’s approach and provision of new-generation official development assistance (ODA) and the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiated by Japan, while providing assistance to help Vietnam develop the North - South high-speed railway project.

Minister Dung also emphasised on the implementation results of the Vietnam-Japan Joint Initiative phase eight, adding that the two sides should continue implementing activities to have more practical and substantive outcomes, and stepping up cooperation in new fields such as innovation, digital transformation and supply chain engagement, including supporting industries and high-quality workforce training.

YAMADA, for his part, congratulated the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) on the inauguration ceremony of the National Innovation Centre (NIC) and the Vietnam International Exhibition Innovation 2023 (VIIE 2023), and proposed the two countries to promote cooperation in digital transformation and innovation.

Agreeing with his host’s opinions, he suggested the MPI having specific discussion through technical-level meetings within the framework of the Joint Initiative phase ninth, and developing Vietnam’s North - South high-speed railway project.

The diplomat also underlined his country’s commitments to participate in Vietnam’s activities to match with the comprehensive relationship.

The two sides agreed to closely coordinate based on the solid foundation built over the last 50 years and important achievements in all spheres, contributing to elevating Vietnam-Japan partnership in the time ahead./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment