He said some poor quality shipments to Japan were not only refused but marred the image of many other enterprises in their effort to conduct business in Japan. He advised Vietnamese novices not to go directly into the Japanese market but to go through other domestic players who have gained reputation in this high-demand market. 

“It is because Japanese businesses have close relations with each other,” Lan said. 

Lan also explained that under the agreement, exports from the two countries into each other’s market enjoy preferential tariff duties. 

Right in the first year, 86 percent of Vietnamese products are given the zero percent tariff rate. The rate will be applicable to other items on a roadmap for 10-15 years. Apparels and seafood from Vietnam into Japan are no exception, enjoying a heft of incentives. 

Japan is to build a quarantine centre in Vietnam to check the quality of its products and is considering a project to train Vietnamese medical workers and business executives in Japan. 

The VJEPA was signed in December 2008 and came into force on October 1, 2009.