Vietnam attaches great importance to developing ties with Japan

In regard to his upcoming visit, Mr Triet said that this is the first visit to Japan by State President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the history of bilateral relations. The visit is of great significance, adding new impetus to promoting mutual trust and expanding cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.

Leaders from both sides affirmed their determination to develop Vietnam-Japan relations into a strategic partnership in the next few years for the sake of peace and prosperity in Asia.

Concerning the prospect of signing an agreement on Vietnam-Japan economic partnership, the State leader said that negotiations on the agreement started in early 2007 and is currently in an important stage. So far, both sides have agreed to some aspects such as service, investment and food hygiene and safety. Mr. Triet expressed his hope that his visit would give more political strength to bilateral relations so that the agreement will be signed soon, thereby benefiting both sides.

In terms of Japan’s ODA funding for Vietnam, Mr. Triet said, “Japan’s ODA funding plays an important role in Vietnam’s economic development. Japan is seen as the country’s largest ODA provider with more than US$10 billion of which, US$1.3 billion serves as non-refundable aid, accounting for one third of the total international aid for Vietnam. Japan’s ODA funding is mainly for use in developing infrastructure facilities in Vietnam.

During my upcoming visit, Japanese leaders and I will discuss measures to accelerate the implementation of three major projects to build the North-South Railway route, North-South expressway and Hoa Lac high-tech zone. In addition, I will ask Japan to help Vietnam deal with issues related to transport systems in Hanoi and HCM City".
 
Public opinion about President Triet’s visit to Japan

President Triet’s visit to Japan is capturing public attention. Taniguchi Tomohiko, Deputy Press Secretary of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed his delight at welcoming President Triet to Japan.

Mr. Taniguchi said the visit is of great significance in the relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The Japanese emperor will give a state-level welcome ceremony to President Triet. Vietnam has captured the attention of not only Japan and Asian countries, but also many other regions in the world. Therefore, President Triet’s visit will be a pride of the Japanese people and will carve further the cooperative relations between Vietnam and Japan.

Kubota Teruyoshi, Head of Japan’s Vietnamese Economic Research Institute, published an article on his institute’s magazine after a long trip to Vietnam. Mr Kobuta stressed that President Nguyen Minh Triet will become the most important guest of the Emperor, Government and people of Japan. Japanese economic researchers and businesses are looking forward to the results of the visit. In recent years, Vietnam’s strong development has received great admiration from many countries in the world. Many Japanese businesses are flocking to Vietnam and considered the country as a key market after China. President Triet’s visit is expected to open up bright opportunities to both countries’ economists and businesses.

Uehara, a Vietnamese overseas in Tokyo, said she was glad to know that President Triet will pay a visit to Japan. She said she wishes his visit will encourage Vietnamese people living in Japan to work more and contribute more to Japan and the homeland. As a Vietnamese overseas in Japan, Uehara said she is proud of helping to strengthen relations between Vietnam and Japan.