At the reception, President of the Japan- Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarian Federation (JVFPF), Tsutomu Takebe, congratulated State President Triet and his entourage on the participation in the 18^th Asia - Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, contributing to strengthening friendship and the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan.

Mr Takebe emphasized that Japan highlighted the role of Vietnam in the Asian region and within ASEAN and congratulated Vietnam on carrying out the role of ASEAN President 2010 successfully, marking an important milestone in building the ASEAN community as well as strengthening relations between ASEAN and partners including Japan.

Mr Takebe also affirmed that the Japanese Diet, Government, and people attach importance to expanding relations with Vietnam in all fields. Both countries have great potential to cooperate in large-scale projects and Japan is willing to support Vietnam to develop its hi-tech industry, build infrastructure and develop the energy industry.

State President Triet expressed delight at the fine Vietnam-Japan relationship in terms of politics, economics, and culture. Especially, during a recent visit by Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, both nations agreed on the construction of nuclear power plants in Vietnam, which is of great importance to bring the strategic partnership to a new height.

President Triet also highlighted Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) for Vietnam, and helped Vietnam overcome difficulties due to the impact of the economic crisis. He also thanked the Japanese Diet, Government, and people who have always provided valuable support to Vietnam, reflecting friendship and mutual trust between the two nations.

The same day, State President Triet received President and General Director of Mitsubishi Trading, Kobayashi Ken. He also called on Japanese businesses to further invest in Vietnam, especially in the fields of energy, transport and the environment.

Mr Ken said that after 20 years of investing in Vietnam in the fields of infrastructure, electricity, chemical, garments and textiles, automobile assembly, Mitsubishi Trading realized that Vietnam is a safe investment destination which can make greater profits.

He added that the group will speed up the implementation of power projects in Vung Ang, the central province of Ha Tinh and Vinh Tan in the southern province of Binh Thuan. He also plans to invest in other fields such as waste water treatment, and solar energy to promote economic relations between the nations.