Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (right) receives from Japanese ambassador Yamada Takio a message from Japanese counterpart Suga Yoshihide regarding the decision to donate 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Việt Nam. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính hosted a reception for Japanese Ambassador to Việt Nam Yamada Takio in Hà Nội, during which he suggested the Japanese Government and relevant agencies continue to cooperate with Việt Nam in the fight against the pandemic.

The Vietnamese leader also wished for Japan’s support in the transfer of COVID-19 vaccine production technology to Việt Nam.

He asked the diplomat to propose the Government and competent agencies of Japan encourage Japanese businesses to promote two-way trade, especially creating favourable conditions for Việt Nam’s exports such as agricultural and seafood products and seasonal fruits to enter the Japanese market.

PM Chính called on Japanese investors to continue investing in Việt Nam, especially in infrastructure development and areas where Japan has strength and Việt Nam has potential.

According to the PM, there are about 450,000 Vietnamese people living, studying, and working in Japan. He expressed his hope that the Japanese Government would create conditions for them to have a safe and stable life in the country, contributing to promoting bilateral relations.

He suggested the Japanese side consider accepting Vietnamese interns, especially those with visas waiting to go to Japan; and resuming commercial flights soon when conditions permit.

The PM also hoped for the practical and effective implementation of economic agreements signed by the two sides.

For his part, Ambassador Takio conveyed a message from Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide to PM Chính, which announced the Japanese Government's decision to provide Việt Nam with 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, saying that this was a testament to the deep friendship between Việt Nam and Japan.

Earlier in the day, Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi told a press conference in Tokyo that the decision regarding vaccine aid to Việt Nam had been made after Japan comprehensively considered the infection resurgence situation in Việt Nam since late April, the shortage of vaccines and Japan-Việt Nam relationship

The shipment of the vaccine produced in Japan under AstraZeneca Plc.’s licence is due to arrive in Việt Nam on June 16, the Japanese diplomat added.

In addition, Japanese associations and 36 businesses in Việt Nam have donated VNĐ39.2 billion (over US$1.7 million) to Việt Nam’s national COVID-19 vaccine fund, Japanese ambassador Takio noted, adding that more donations would be made in the future.

PM Chính expressed his sincere thanks to the Prime Minister, Government and people of Japan for the donated doses, as well as valuable donations from foreign associations and businesses in Việt Nam, including those from Japan, to support the country in the fight against COVID-19.

Takio affirmed the Japanese Government's strong cooperation commitment with Việt Nam, saying that Việt Nam still remained the best investment destination for Japanese companies and investors.

He promised to immediately convey the message and suggestions of the Vietnamese leader to the Japanese Government and PM Suga Yoshihide. — VNS