Vietnam, Japan agree to promote strategic partnership

The agreement was reached during the October 31 talks between Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Japanese counterpart, Yoshihiko Noda in Tokyo, Japan.

During the talks, both PMs expressed their pleasure at the developments in bilateral economic relationship. They underlined the importance of maintaining high ranking visits between the two countries as well as dialogues at all levels, especially the effective operations of the Vietnam-Japan Cooperation Committee.

They agreed to double two-way trade by 2020 and boost cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. They also agreed to select 2013 as the “Vietnam-Japan Friendship Year”, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

PM Noda reaffirmed Japan’s support for Vietnam’s socio-economic development, saying that Japan will consider providing assistance to such projects as the Long Thanh international airport, and the Ninh Binh-Bai Vot and Nha Trang-Phat Thiet highways.

Japan will also consider official development assistance for Vietnam’s Poverty Reduction Support Credit, he said.

Mr Noda extended his sympathy to the victims of recent floods in the Mekong Delta region and said Japan is willing to help Vietnam overcome the aftermath of the natural disaster.

PM Dung appreciated Japan’s support for Vietnam’s strategy of national modernization and industrialization and its action plan until 2020. He said he hopes Japan will develop industrial zones for mechanical engineering in Haiphong City and electronics in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.

He also asked the Japanese government to encourage businesses to participate in Vietnamese Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.

Mr Dung also expressed his condolences for the damage caused by the tragic earthquake that hit Japan last March.

The Vietnamese PM invited his Japanese counterpart to visit Hanoi in 2012 and Mr Noda accepted the invitation with pleasure.

After the talks, the two PMs signed a joint statement to implement plans of action within the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and a diplomatic note on building infrastructure for  Lach Huyen port in  Haiphong.

**Also on October 31, PM Dung met with Otsuji Hidehisa, Vice Chairman of the Japanese House of Councilors and worked with a number of Japanese businesses and international cooperation organizations.