Japan grants Vietnam 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine

Ambassador Yamada delivered PM Suga Yoshihide’s message, saying the Japanese government’s decision is a vivid manifestation of the long-standing friendship between the two countries, and that Japan wants to work closely with the international community, including Vietnam, to weather the COVID-19 crisis.

The diplomat also announced that Japanese associations and 36 Japanese businesses operating in Vietnam have initially donated VND39.2 billion to support the Vietnamese Government’s COVID-19 vaccine fund and will consider additional donations.

For his part, PM Pham Minh Chinh thanked the Japanese government, PM Suga Yoshihide and people for their special gift which he said is a noble gesture showing sympathy and mutual sharing in times of difficulty, as well as the friendship between the Governments and people of the two countries.

He also thanked the Japanese associations and businesses for their donations, to assist the Government and people of Vietnam in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

He suggested that the Government and relevant agencies of Japan continue to cooperate with Vietnam in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, including supporting technology transfer and vaccine production to Vietnam.

Given the complex nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, PM Chinh proposed that the Government and competent agencies encourage their businesses to promote two-way trade, creating conditions for key Vietnamese products such as agricultural items, seafood, and tropical fruits like lychees, mangos and longans to enter the Japanese market, even via the e-commerce transactions.

He called on Japanese businesses to continue investing in Vietnam, especially in infrastructure and other areas where Japan has strength and Vietnam has potential.

Noting that there are about 450,000 Vietnamese people studying, working and living in Japan, Chinh asked the Japanese Government create favourable conditions for them to have a safe and stable life, contributing to promoting relations between the two countries. In this regard, he requested that Japan consider accepting Vietnamese interns, especially those with visas.

He also asked Japan to consider resuming commercial flights soon when conditions permit, and at the same time to further promote the implementation of economic agreements signed by the two sides.

Ambassador Yamada affirmed the Japanese Government’s strong cooperation commitment to Vietnam, saying Vietnam remains the best investment destination for Japanese businesses.

The Ambassador said he will immediately convey Chinh’s message and proposals to the Japanese Government and PM Suga Yoshihide.