Deputy PM Hung made this statement while receiving the chairman of the Japan-Vietnam Economic Commission, Kato Susumu, in Hanoi on November 12.

He said in the face of difficulties arising from the global financial crisis, it is necessary to tighten cooperation between the two countries in numerous fields is necessary.

He expressed his belief that, on the basis of past achievements, the second phase of the Plan of Action on the Japan-Vietnam Joint Initiative will obtain greater success in boosting the mutual understanding and fine relationship between the two nations.

Kato Susumu praised Vietnam’s efforts in controlling inflation and stabilising the macro-economy and requested the Vietnamese Government to focus its attention on speeding up the rate of construction work at power plants.