Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the statement while receiving a Japanese delegation headed by Hiroyuki Yoshino, a senior advisor of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in Hanoi on September 26.

The PM said he was delighted at positive developments in bilateral ties between the two nations, especially in economies, trade and investment, adding that Japan is a leading investor and official development assistance (ODA) provider in Vietnam.

“The two countries are aiming at building a strategic partnership not only to foster bilateral cooperation, but also to promote development in the region as a whole,” he stressed.

PM Dung’s view was shared by Yoshino, who said that a series of business forums have been held in both Japan and Vietnam as part of celebrations of the 35^th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries that will help intensify economic, trade and investment relations.

Yoshino, who is also Vice President of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recommended that the two nations sign a bilateral economic agreement as soon as possible and work together to better Vietnam’s investment environment and human resource development.

The PM told his guests that Vietnam and Japan have successfully concluded negotiations and expect to sign the bilateral economic agreement soon to facilitate comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Vietnam has placed great importance on improving the investment environment, focusing on infrastructure, administrative reform and supporting industry, as well as working towards human resource and education development, the government leader noted.

On the same day, representatives from over 100 Vietnamese and Japanese businesses gathered at a seminar in Hanoi to discuss ways to make use of opportunities and overcome challenges to their future cooperation.