The statement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung at a reception held in Hanoi on December 10 for a delegation of the Japan-Vietnam Economic Committee under the Japan Federation of Economic Organisations Keidanren. President of the Japan-Vietnam Economic Committee Kato Susumu praised the closer cooperation between Vietnam and Japan in new areas, such as nuclear power and rare earths. Japan wants to help Vietnam by providing advanced technology and modern technical facilities during the cooperation process, he noted.

Mr Kato Susumu also spoke highly of the implementation of the Japan-Vietnam Joint Initiative which indicated that bilateral cooperation has been elevated to a higher level.

Both sides need to boost cooperation in developing Vietnam’s supporting industries to increase the proportion of locally-made products used by foreign businesses in Vietnam. Attention should be given to public private partnership (PPP) scheme, the training of human resources and infrastructure development, Mr Kato Susumu emphasised.

Deputy PM Hung said Vietnam’s major task for the next ten years is to restructure its economy so the two governments’ cooperation along with Japanese businesses’ support will help Vietnam increase its competiveness while benefiting both countries.

Mr Hung praised Japan for promoting cooperation with Vietnam in economic fields, particularly speeding up the development of supporting industries.

Vietnam will consider the issues of mutual concern to further enhance the Vietnam- Japan strategic partnership, Mr Hung added.