APEC 2017:PM receives Japanese Minister of Economic Revitalisation

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on November 7 hosted a reception for Japanese Minister of Economic Revitalisation Toshimitsu Motegi on the sidelines of the Vietnam Business Summit 2017 within the ongoing APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, in the central city of Da Nang.

The government leader noted with joy the comprehensive development of the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership, saying the government and people of Vietnam welcome Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s participation in important activities of the APEC 2017 Economic Leaders’ Week.

Japan is currently the biggest provider of official development assistance (ODA), the second largest foreign investor and the fourth largest trade partner of Vietnam.

After signing the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA), the two countries are coordinating closely in negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement and other deals, he said.

He asked Japan to soon license the import of Vietnamese fresh fruits, firstly lychee and longan, and support Vietnam in carrying out its industrialisation strategy and developing the auto industry.

Phuc told his guest that he had directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade and other agencies to deal with obstacles to Vietnam – Japan projects on energy and trade centre development.

Motegi, in turn, said his nation treasures relations with Vietnam and desires to expand cooperation in other fields. He also congratulated Vietnam on its successful hosting of the APEC events, and believed that the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Da Nang will be successful.

The Japanese minister also extended his sympathy to the Vietnamese people over huge losses in human and assets in recent floods and natural disasters and hoped that locals in the affected provinces would overcome difficulties and stabilize their lives soon.