Speaking at a reception in Hanoi on September 14, he said during his term of office, Ambassador Sakaba has helped foster exchanges and bilateral cooperation in all fields, from politics to economy, trade, investment, culture and education. 

Mr. Trong emphasized that the friendship exchanges, cooperation and sharing of experiences between the two parliaments have always been strengthened, especially since the two countries agreed to elevate their relationship to the level of strategic partnership. 

Japan is now an important partner of Vietnam in terms of direct investment, trade and provision of official development assistance (ODA), he said. 

The legislator expressed his hope that in whatever position the diplomat would further contribute to promoting Vietnam-Japan relations for mutual benefit and development. 

Mr. Sakaba said Japan always considers Vietnam an important partner and wishes to continue cooperating with the Southeast Asian country. 

Vietnam, with its young population, is playing a greater role in peacekeeping and contributing to the development of Southeast Asia, said the ambassador.

He noted with pleasure that the close relationship between the two legislative bodies has helped to deepen the multifaceted cooperation between Japan and Vietnam. 

During his three-year term in Vietnam, Mr. Sakaba visited many provinces and cities in the country and has been presented with various Vietnamese insignas, including “For Natural Resources-Environment”, “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations”, and “For the Young Generation”.

Japan is a very important Asian partner who has been the largest donor to Vietnam since 1992. 

Foreign direct investment capital in Vietnam by Japanese investors is expected to reach US$1.5 billion in 2010.