The Japanese and world media reported that Mr Dung’s visit demonstrated the special interest by the Vietnamese and Japanese governments through strategic visions. The two countries agreed to begin official negotiations on Vietnam-Japan Free Trade Agreement next year with the aim of increasing bilateral trade exchanges from US$8.5 billion in 2005 to US$15 billion by 2010.

The British Broadcasting Corporation reported that Mr Dung’s selection of Japan as the first foreign country to visit since he assumed office last July showed that Vietnam attaches special importance to developing relations with Japan.

Notably, Mr Dung was Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s first foreign leader after he took office. It was also the first time a Vietnamese leader has been invited to deliver a speech at the Japanese Diet.

In addition, the Vietnamese PM paid a courtesy visit to the Japanese Emperor and Empress, becoming the first single foreign leader welcomed by the Japanese royals in 2006. At the reception, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko described Mr Dung’s visit as significant because Japan was selected to be his first overseas trip in his capacity as the Prime Minister of Vietnam. The Emperor expressed his belief that the time-honoured friendship and cooperative relations between the two Governments and people will further develop in the future.

Meanwhile, Mr Dung’s 20-minute address at the Japanese Diet received thunderous applause from the hosts. Mr Dung affirmed that “The Vietnamese Government attaches importance to the fight against corruption and waste in the use of official development assistance (ODA) and is fully aware of its responsibility for effective use and payment of Japanese aid. I can assure you that Japanese aid to Vietnam is placed in reliable hands.”

Through Mr Dung’s intense activities, from the signing of the Vietnam-Japan Joint Statement Towards the Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia to bilateral talks between the two PMs and other meetings with representatives of Japan’s leading economic groups as well as the Vietnamese community in Japan, Mr Dung delivered the message: “Japan is not only a leading partner but also the largest trade partner of Vietnam and the potential for cooperation in this area is still immense. I am totally confident that Japanese investors will operate successfully in Vietnam.”

During his talks with Mr Dung, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe affirmed: ”Japan will continue to support Vietnam’s economic reform and hunger and poverty reduction efforts and encourage Japanese businesses to invest in Vietnam.” He also proposed the early establishment of a Japan-Vietnam cultural exchange forum and voiced his support for the smooth implementation of infrastructure development projects in Vietnam.

The public is anticipating a new wave of Japanese investment into Vietnam following the success of Mr Dung’s visit. This will be truly realistic in the near future thanks to the strong determination by the two governments and current successful operations by Japanese businesses in Vietnam.