TOKYO – Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc yesterday emphasised the key role of Asia in globalisation, naming three key measures for the region to tackle major challenges.

He made the statement while delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the 23rd International Conference on the Future of Asia in Tokyo.

"History shows that whether we support or oppose globalisation, it remains an inevitable trend," PM Phúc said. 

"It is not merely an economic process but also reflects the desire of humankind to reach further, pursue well-being and conquer challenges."

The three measures that he mentioned include maintaining a peaceful and stable environment in the context of structural changes in the region, boosting green, sustainable and inclusive economic growth and optimising resources and promoting the role of international institutions.

He emphasised that while vision will decide modes of thinking, methods of action and co-operation among nations will build a peaceful and prosperous Asia. He detailed Việt Nam’s achievements during the 30-year renewal period, affirming the country’s determination to build an incorruptible Government that serves people and businesses. 

He told participants that Việt Nam will strive to create development opportunities through strengthening international integration and participating in global management structures, create a favourable environment for the private sector, balance economic growth policies and effective management of resources and increase the quality of human resources for the industrial revolution 4.0. 

The PM also lauded the contributions made by Japan to socio-economic development and poverty reduction in many Asian countries, as well as the partnership between Việt Nam and Japan. 

During his dialogue with participants, he discussed the role of the ASEAN Economic Community, environmental pollution challenges in Việt Nam, the country’s development and the country’s involvement in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.

He said Việt Nam has free trade agreements with 12 nations and is currently negotiating four others. 

He emphasised that the country would continue working with the 11 remaining countries to implement the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a major regional trade deal from which the US recently withdrew.   

He said that Việt Nam has a sustainable development strategy, with environmental protection a top priority.

As a country seriously affected by climate change, Việt Nam will work with other countries to implement commitments made in the Paris agreement, of which Việt Nam is a signatory, he said.

The International Conference on the Future of Asia is an annual event held by Nikkei – one of the biggest communications groups in the region. 

Under the theme “Globalism at a crossroads – Asia’s next move”, this year’s event focuses on factors affecting the future of Asia, including protectionism and populism, relations among major nations and world order change and the development of ASEAN, China, and South Africa. 

Việt Nam- Japan ties

Việt Nam treasures its partnership with Japan, considering it a priority in the country’s foreign relations, stated Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc. 

He made the remark at a meeting with Tadamori Oshima, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, in Tokyo yesterday. 

Phúc expressed his delight at the growth of the Việt Nam – Japan intensive strategic partnership and close co-operation between the two parliaments. 

Lauding Tadamori Oshima’s visit to Việt Nam in late May, he asked the Japanese House of Representatives to increase exchanges with the Việt Nam National Assembly in making laws and promoting their friendship parliamentary groups in boosting bilateral ties. 

He suggested the two bodies work together at regional and international forums, including the 2018 Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum hosted by Việt Nam. 

The PM requested the Japanese lower house to back Viet Nam and ASEAN’s stance on the East Sea issue. 

He also suggested the body support the Japanese Government’s official development assistance for Việt Nam to develop infrastructure projects, improve workforce quality and tackle climate change. 

Tadamori Oshima said he values Japan’s co-operation with Việt Nam and wants to support the relationship. 

He agreed to boost mutual trust and understanding through exchanges between committees and young parliamentarians. 

He stressed that the House of Representatives of Japan and Japan–Việt Nam Friendship Parliamentary Group are willing to work with the Vietnamese side in the celebration of 45-years of relations between the two countries.

Health co-operation

International Medical Development JSC of Việt Nam’s TH Group will work with Japan’s International Total Engineering Corporation (ITEC) to build a high-tech health care complex in Hà Nội. 

A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed in Tokyo yesterday during Prime Minister Phúc’s ongoing visit to Japan.

Established in 1981, ITEC is the first health service management consulting firm in Japan which aims to tackle the drastic changes taking place in Japanese healthcare. 

ITEC President Johtaro Seki said the group will help its Vietnamese partner access cutting-edge medical solutions, adding that the complex is designed to become a five-star general hospital with leading doctors from countries with developed medicine and nurses trained in Japan. 

TH Group Chairwoman Thái Hương said the 40-ha complex will offer medical prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services. 

The Vietnamese and Japanese health sectors have signed a number of co-operation agreements on universal health coverage, new communicable disease prevention, human resources development and health equipment, among others. 

Under the Việt Nam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, since 2012, Japan has helped train many Vietnamese nurses. — VNS