On May 22, as part of his working visit to Japan and attendance at the 29th Future of Asia Conference, Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai met with Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Saito Ken, co-chair of the Vietnam-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), Japan International Cooperation Bank (JBIC) Governor Hayashi Nobumitsu, and Japan People’s Diplomacy Promotion Council (FEC) Executive Chairman Matsuzawa Ken.
Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Saito Ken. Photo: VGP/Tran Manh
|
During the meetings, Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai expressed his delight at the qualitative developments in Vietnam-Japan relations, with a historical milestone being the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in November 2023.
Notably, economic cooperation between the two countries has achieved many positive developments and continues to be a key pillar of the bilateral relationship, with increasing economic interdependence. Japan remains one of Vietnam’s most important economic partners. The Deputy Prime Minister requested that the Japanese partners promote the concrete implementation of cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the new relationship.
At the meeting with Minister Saito Ken, Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai highly appreciated the role of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Minister Saito Ken personally in developing and strengthening the economic relationship between Vietnam and Japan.
The Deputy Prime Minister proposed that METI promote economic linkage and cooperation to ensure economic security between the two countries, as well as cooperation in the development of digital infrastructure, digital economy, and green economy.
He also requested Japan’s continued support for Vietnam’s industrialization and modernization, and the building of an independent and self-reliant economy, as well as the implementation of three strategic breakthroughs.
The Deputy Prime Minister asked Japan to support Vietnamese businesses in deeper participation in the global supply chains of Japanese businesses, and to promote cooperation in the development of the logistics industry… and proposed studying cooperation directions in institution building, human resource training for Vietnam in the semiconductor industry, new industries, and green and digital transformation fields, thereby meeting and supporting Japan in addressing the issue of an aging population.
The Deputy Prime Minister also welcomed METI’s cooperation with Vietnam within the framework of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative through the establishment of the Green Transformation Promotion Working Group.
Japan will cooperate in developing Vietnam’s human resources
Minister Saito Ken affirmed his desire to promote economic, trade, and industrial cooperation with Vietnam through digitalization, supply chain, green transformation, sustainable energy transition, and renewable energy development.
He also expressed support for Vietnam’s goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045 and confirmed Japan’s cooperation in developing Vietnam’s human resources in new energy, semiconductors, digital technology, and next-generation automotive industries.
Minister Saito also announced Japan’s readiness to cooperate with Vietnam within the framework of the 1.5 billion USD initiative to support Japanese businesses investing in the countries of the Southern Hemisphere.
The Minister also expressed his hope that the Vietnamese government would take measures to ensure a stable power supply for the 2,500 Japanese businesses operating in Vietnam.
At the meeting with the two co-chairs of the Japan-Vietnam Economic Committee of Keidanren, Mr. Masayuki Hyodo, Chairman of Sumitomo Corporation, and Mr. Masayoshi Fujimoto, Chairman of Sojitz Corporation, Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai highly appreciated the valuable contributions of Keidanren and the two co-chairs, Mr. Hyodo and Mr. Fujimoto, to Vietnam’s economic development.
Deputy Prime Minister proposed that the Japan-Vietnam Economic Committee encourage Keidanren member businesses to increase investment in Vietnam in new fields such as high technology and semiconductors, and to integrate Vietnam into the global supply chains of Japanese businesses in automotive, electronics, medical equipment, and textile industries. Photo: VGP/Tran Manh
|
The Deputy Prime Minister appreciated the agreement between Keidanren and relevant agencies of Vietnam to implement Phase 1 of the Vietnam-Japan Joint Initiative in the New Era, aiming to improve Vietnam’s investment environment.
He proposed that the Committee encourage Keidanren member businesses to increase investment in Vietnam in new fields such as high technology and semiconductors, and to integrate Vietnam into the global supply chains of Japanese businesses in automotive, electronics, medical equipment, and textile industries.
He also requested support in training high-quality human resources, including semiconductor talent, to meet the needs of both countries, as well as organizing policy dialogue with Vietnamese businesses and regularly reflecting and coordinating to resolve any issues promptly, thereby creating an attractive and favorable investment environment in Vietnam.
Mr. Hyodo stated that Keidanren considers Vietnam one of its most important partners and attaches great importance to cooperation with Vietnam in the fields of digital and green transformation. He affirmed that Keidanren will continue to promote its member businesses to expand investment in Vietnam and that its members are keen to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam.
Nhat Quang (According to the Government Portal)
