In the meeting, Ambassador Ito Naoki emphasized Japan's commitment to continuing cooperation and support to help Vietnam achieve its set goals. This includes strengthening ODA (Official Development Assistance) cooperation with Vietnam through a new approach.

Alongside achievements in political-diplomatic relations and defense-security, economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Japan has been significant. Ambassador Ito stated that Japan aims to support Vietnam in further developing its economy, with a goal for Vietnam to become a developed country by 2045.

Japanese businesses hold a positive view of Vietnam's investment environment, recognizing the country's great potential in attracting investment. Currently, over 2,000 Japanese businesses operate in Vietnam, primarily focusing on the manufacturing industry in the northern region. Ambassador Ito expects the number of Japanese businesses investing in the northern provinces to increase.

"Vietnam has three very attractive points for investment: a growing economy, its role as an important link in the Asian supply chain, and diligent, hard-working, and capable human resources," he said.

Japan has been Vietnam's largest ODA provider, with contributions amounting to 3,260.2 billion Yen (over 20 billion USD) over the past 30 years. Ambassador Ito highlighted the need to revive and expand ODA cooperation, not just in infrastructure but also in digital transformation, green transformation, healthcare, and education.

During Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Japan in December 2023, several documents were signed, and a list of projects requiring promotion was presented. This aims to concretize the strategic partnership between the two countries, with a focus on further strengthening cooperation and quickly completing projects.

Ambassador Ito acknowledged that while Japan prioritizes the transport sector, some prominent ODA-funded projects, such as urban railway line No. 1 in Ho Chi Minh City and the North-South expressway section Ben Luc - Long Thanh, face delays from signing to implementation. To address this, he emphasized the need for both countries to discuss and understand each other's viewpoints, collaboratively solving issues to promote progress and completion.

To enhance cooperation, promoting trade and investment is crucial. Vietnam needs to improve its investment environment to attract investment in new fields such as clean energy, green transformation, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, he said.

Japan’s White Paper on Development states that Japan will proactively propose ODA to developing countries. For Vietnam, Japan will focus on three main pillars: perfecting the mechanism, human resources, and infrastructure. The application of Japanese techniques and technology in aid projects is seen as extremely important.

Senior leaders of both countries signed documents last year, highlighting areas for proactive ODA, including digital transformation infrastructure, green transformation, and climate change. Japan will increase ODA in these areas to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam, he said.

Ha Phuong - Dinh Tuan