At a meeting with Executive Vice President of Idemitsu Kosan Co Ltd. Sakai Noriaki, Khai appreciated Idemitsu’s efforts in undertaking investment and cooperation activities in Vietnam over the past years, especially in its role as a capital contributor to the Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Project (NSRP).

He proposed that Idemitsu continue to expand business investment activities in Vietnam, especially in areas of its strength such as energy conversion, alongside strengthening cooperation and supporting technology transfer, helping Vietnamese businesses engage more deeply in regional and global supply chains.

Sakai briefed Khai on Idemitsu’s operations globally, saying Vietnam is the group’s largest investment location worldwide in seven areas. He affirmed that Idemitsu would expand investment and business in Vietnam.

Idemitsu will work closely with the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN) and related parties to promote the Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Project to operate effectively and stably, bringing harmonious benefits to all parties, he said.

At another meeting with Hidenori Harada, CEO of MOECO Mitsui Oil Exploration Co.,Ltd., Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai welcomed efforts of MOECO and joint venture partners in implementing investment and cooperation activities in Vietnam in recent times, including the O Mon III gas-fired thermal power plant of the US$12 billion Block B - O Mon gas-to-power project.

He highly appreciated the firm’s major investment directions in Vietnam to contribute to stable energy supply and net zero emissions, as well as to expansion of foreign direct investment and labour cooperation.

He proposed that MOECO expand business investment activities in Vietnam commensurate with its financial potential and technological level, while strengthening cooperation and supporting technology transfer to Vietnam.

Harada expressed his joy at MOECO’s engagement in large-scale energy projects in Vietnam like the O Mon III plant, and affirmed that his firm would continue to coordinate closely with the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group and relevant ministries and agencies to soon deploy projects, ensuring progress, quality and efficiency.

The same day, Deputy PM Le Minh Khai met with Ichita Yamamoto, governor of Gunma prefecture who affirmed that he would promote the implementation of cooperation documents between Gunma and ministries, agencies, and localities of Vietnam.

According to Yamamoto, businesses of Gunma have so far poured more than JPY8 billion (equivalent to US$60 million) into Vietnamese projects. He revealed that he would lead a business delegation to visit Vietnam in 2024 to further rev up investment in the fields of information technology and digital transformation.

Khai for his part welcomed Yamamoto’s plan and proposed that businesses of Gunma invest more in Vietnam in areas of its strength such as manufacturing, processing, high-tech agriculture, tourism, and human resource training.  

VOV