HÀ NỘI – The Japan-Việt Nam Economic Committee under the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) has made significant contributions to the thriving bilateral relations between the two countries, especially by aiding the implementation of the Việt Nam-Japan Joint Initiative, said Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on Tuesday.

Hosting a reception for two Keidanren Co-Chairs, Kuniharu Nakamura and Hideo Ichikawa Keidanren, and members of Keidanren delegation in Hà Nội, PM Phúc stressed that the bilateral relations are developing in a more practical and effective manner based on the Extensive Strategic Partnership. 
Lauding Japan’s role and co-ordination with Việt Nam towards accelerating the signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), PM Phúc noted that Việt Nam will adopt the pact by the end of this year, and hopes to accompany Japan in solidifying the deal. 
Việt Nam always considers the East Asian country one of its leading partners, and hopes that both sides will bolster co-operation in various sectors for the sake of the two peoples, and for regional and global peace and prosperity, the government leader said. 
The Vietnamese Government and people believe that Japanese businesses will preserve their prestige and pour long-term, sustainable investment in the country. As both nations present huge potential for further collaboration, the Government will create favourable conditions for Japanese companies in the spirit of mutual benefit, he noted. 
PM Phúc wished that the Japanese side will continue its support for Việt Nam in the nation’s socio-economic development process, especially in the fields most in demand, such as agricultural machinery, oil and gas, automobile engineering, energy, processing and manufacturing and infrastructure development. 
Besides economic and trade collaboration, Việt Nam wants to enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges with Japan, he said, adding that Việt Nam backs Japan’s activities to promote cooperation in the framework of collaboration programmes with the Mekong Sub-region countries.
PM Phúc proposed that the two Keidanren Co-Chairs and members of Keidanren delegation step up their implementation of the Việt Nam-Japan Joint Initiative to maintain policy dialogue mechanisms between the Vietnamese Government agencies and Japanese enterprises. He described this as an effective channel for Vietnamese authorities to complete regulations and policies to improve the business climate. 
Expressing his delight over the growing Việt Nam-Japan Extensive Strategic Partnership, Kuniharu Nakamura said that high-level visits have consolidated the friendship and comprehensive co-operation between the two countries. 
For Japanese firms, Việt Nam is an attractive market due to its large population, stable socio-political environment, and its role as a gateway for Japan to tap into the ASEAN market. 
Last year, Việt Nam welcomed the largest amount of Japanese investment, with US$9.1 billion in capital injected by over 1,700 businesses, he said, pledging to enhance investment in Vietnamese infrastructure and human resources. 
In the time ahead, Keidanren will extend its granting of scholarships for Vietnamese students, he underlined. 
Meanwhile, Hideo Ichikawa said that Keidanren also wants to help Vietnam improve its business climate through the implementation of the Việt Nam-Japan Joint Initiative, which is now in its seventh phase. 
He said he hopes to receive further support from the Vietnamese authorities in carrying out the initiative. 
Laying stress on the significance of infrastructure development in the context of curbing the ceiling ratio of public debt, he suggested the Vietnamese Government choose rational projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, adding that Japanese firms stand ready to join such projects in Việt Nam.  – VNS