Deputy Prime Minister Vương Đình Huệ speaks at the “Meeting Japan-North Central Region” conference in the central province of Nghệ An. — VNA/VNS Photo

He made the statement at a reception on April 26 for Japanese Ambassador to Việt Nam Umeda Kunio when they both attended the “Meeting Japan-North Central Region” conference in the central province of Nghệ An.

Huệ reiterated that Japan is a very important and reliable strategic partner, a leading economic and trade partner, and the largest ODA provider of Việt Nam.

As the Vietnamese and Japanese economies bear supplementary characteristics, the two countries’ leaders committed to having a strategy to connect them, he said.

The Vietnamese Government is ready to provide optimal conditions for Japanese businesses, particularly those that want to land high-tech investments in the country, he added.

At the event, both sides discussed various issues to further promote the Việt Nam-Japan extensive strategic partnership.

The Japanese diplomat said that the Vietnamese economy has enjoyed sound growth on the back of the Government’s unceasing efforts.

As the Japanese Government is calling its small- and medium-sized enterprises to invest in Việt Nam, Umeda Kunio hoped to receive more attention and support from the Vietnamese Government.

He also took the occasion to raise issues that needed to be tackled by the Vietnamese authorities, including the adjustment of the diplomatic note on ODA funding, slow payment for the Japanese contractors of HCM City’s urban railway project, and the reduction of income tax for Japanese investors in economic zones, among others.

Deputy PM Huệ said the Vietnamese Government always works to ensure benefits of competent parties based on respect of legal regulations and equality.

He said he wants competent agencies of the two countries to prepare well for the upcoming visit to Japan and G20 meeting participation by Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc. 

At the conference, Deputy PM Huệ also urged Nghệ An Province to work harder to improve its business and investment environment, speed up administrative reform at all levels, design policies to attract resources, and promote the transformation of economic structure and growth model.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Thái Thanh Quý reported that total Japanese-funded programmes and projects in the province has reached 44 with a combined investment of nearly VNĐ5.1 trillion (US$219.3 million).
Currently, the province is hosting seven Japanese FDI projects with a total capital of $72.19 million, mostly in limestone mining, food processing, and garment and textile, he said.
The provincial leader called on Japanese businesses to strengthen investment in tourism, industry, agriculture, trade, services, education and training, and health care. — VNS