Mr Dung made the statement while receiving a delegation of Japan’s Kansai Economic Federation (Kankeiren) led by its chairman Yoshihisa Akiyama in Hanoi on April 16.

Many Japanese investors have been operating effectively in Vietnam, said Mr Dung, adding that Japan now ranks fourth among 76 countries and territories investing in Vietnam with an investment capital of up to US$938 million.

He agreed with Mr Akiyama’s proposal to open a direct flight between Hanoi and the Kansai region and assigned the Ministry of Planning and Investment to prepare for the launch of the flight. He said the route is expected to facilitate economic, trade and investment activities between the two sides.

Mr Akiyama said that Kansai entrepreneurs are keen to invest in the areas of IT, biotechnology and supporting industries in Vietnam. 

During the visit, more than 40 leaders of big companies who accompanied Mr Akiyama attended the Vietnam-Japan Business Forum (VJBF) in Hanoi on April 17 to discuss the implementation of investment projects between the two countries.

On this occasion, a Kansai business opened a representative office in Hanoi to prepare for the construction of a liquefied gas plant in Vietnam.