VGP – Viet Nam and Japan have agreed to further foster cooperation in investment, trade, industries, energy and agriculture in a bid to deepen bilateral economic connectivity. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (L)
and Japanese Foreign Minister Kono Taro in Tokyo on May 30, 2019

The agreement was reached by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Japanese Foreign Minister Kono Taro at the 11th meeting of the Viet Nam-Japan Cooperation Committee in Tokyo on Thursday.

Both sides agreed to enhance coordination in promoting high-level visits and the effectiveness of the existing Governmental and ministerial dialogue mechanisms.

The two sides also vowed to step up labor cooperation and double efforts for early signing of an agreement on transfer of sentenced persons.

Deputy PM, FM Minh suggested Japan would further simplify procedures for Vietnamese citizens to enter Japan.

Meanwhile, Japanese FM Kono highly valued the Vietnamese Government’s determination to carry out administrative reform and improve business climate to facilitate economic development.

Kono affirmed Japan will back Viet Nam to pursue sustainable development, sharpen competitiveness, increase productivity, develop e-government and human resources.

The pair also discussed on regional and international issues of common concern, committing to closer collaboration to ensure success of the G20 Summit scheduled to take place in Osaka in June this year.

The officials pledged to work together to beef up coordination at regional and international forums as well as international economic links, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Kono spoke highly of the role played by Viet Nam in the region, expressing his wish for strong ties between Japan and Southeast Asia in general and Viet Nam in particular./.