PM receives Japanese Minister of Economic Revitalization, WEF Director

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Japanese Minister of Economic Revitalization Toshimitsu Motegi, Da Nang City, November 7, 2017 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

At the meeting with the Japanese Minister, PM Phuc stressed that Japan is currently the biggest provider of official development assistance (ODA), the second largest foreign investor and the fourth largest trade partner of Viet Nam.

After signing the Viet Nam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA), the two nations are coordinating closely in negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement and other deals, he added.

The PM expected that Viet Nam and Japan would further foster bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment and ODA.

He asked the Japanese side to soon license the import of Vietnamese fresh fruits, firstly lychee and longan, as per stated in a joint statement issued in June 2017, and support Viet Nam in implementing its industrialisation strategy and developing the auto industry.

The PM confirmed to direct the Ministry of Industry and Trade and other agencies to tackle hindrances to Viet Nam – Japan projects on energy and trade centre development.

Mr. Motegi stressed that Japan values relations with Viet Nam and wants to expand cooperation to other fields, appraising Viet Nam’s successful organization of the APEC events, hoping that the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Da Nang will be also a success.

The Japanese minister offered his sympathy to the Vietnamese people over great losses in human and assets in recent floods and natural disasters and hoped that under the Government’s direction, affected people will soon overcome difficulties and stabilize their lives.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Director of the World Economic Forum Philipp Roesler, Da Nang City, November 7, 2017 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

At his reception for Director of the WEF Philipp Roesler, PM Phuc supposed that the attendance of the Director will make contribution to the success of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, expecting to boost cooperation with the WEF. 

Mr. Philipp Roesler asserted to enhance coordination with Viet Nam to launch the two sides’ cooperative programs, including the organization of the WEF-ASEAN in Viet Nam by 2018. 

PM Phuc announced that the Vietnamese Government has approved the cooperative plan between the nation and the WEF on the development  of Viet Nam’s economy in the future and assigned relevant ministries and agencies to realize cooperative areas with the WEF. 

The PM lauded the WEF’s proposal to cooperate with Viet Nam to organize two seminars on the national competitiveness capacity and infrastructure development in November. 

Regarding the WEF-ASEAN meeting, the PM suggested the WEF join hands with Viet Nam to select suitable topic and contents to meet the demand and benefits of the business community in ASEAN, manifesting the role of Viet Nam in ASEAN. 

Referring to the WEF meeting in Switzerland next year, PM Phuc expected that the WEF will highlight the image of Viet Nam at the meeting and introduce outcomes of the APEC High-Level Week 2017 and WEF-ASEAN 2018. 

By Thuy Dung