HÀ NỘI — Japanese enterprises in Việt Nam are looking to employ a large number of high-quality staff, revealed Hiroyuki Ishige, Chairman and CEO of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

He shared the information during a reception with Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc in Hà Nội on July 19.

At the meeting, PM Phúc lauded JETRO’s activities in Việt Nam and said he believes his guest’s current visit will begin a new chapter for trade and investment cooperation between the two nations.

The PM thanked the collaboration of JETRO in organising a trade promotion conference in Việt Nam during his official visit to Japan last year. This was the largest event of its kind to date, attracting the attendance of more than 1,600 delegates, including the Vietnamese and Japanese Prime Ministers.

He said that business climate improvement is a priority for the Vietnamese Government, adding the country is focusing on stabilising macro-economics, improving legal institutions, developing infrastructure and human resources, and simplifying administrative procedures.

PM Phúc said recent surveys showed a significant number of Japanese firms spoke highly of Việt Nam’s business climate and wanted to expand their operations in the country.

The Vietnamese leader expected Japan would obtain the top position in Việt Nam’s FDI, saying Việt Nam welcomes Japanese investments, particularly in infrastructure development, clean energy, processing and industry, electronics, high-tech farming, logistics and aviation.

He stated that Việt Nam will do its best to facilitate Japanese investors.

The PM took the opportunity to convey his sympathies to Japanese people affected by recent floods.

For his part, JETRO Chairman and CEO Hiroyuki Ishige said Japanese PM Shinzo Abe pays attention to boosting co-operation with Việt Nam.

Ishige highlighted the many deals secured at the June conference – including key projects in energy, trade and industrial production – are effectively being implemented in Việt Nam.

Highlighting the strong Japanese capital flow into Việt Nam, he said JETRO is making efforts to support the investments.

He said skilled Vietnamese employees are in high demand, adding that JETRO is working with Vietnamese universities to introduce Japanese firms to students.

He stressed that improvements to the business climate are key to attracting more Japanese investors.

Responding to PM Phúc’s comment on the proactive contribution of Việt Nam and Japan to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Ishige said he expects the two countries will take the lead in the implementation of the pact.

He hoped the CPTPP would soon come into effect to bring about benefits for all sides involved. — VNS