Brian Jeffrey
During the discussions, Son expressed his satisfaction with the progressing comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan, highlighting the significant political trust across various sectors.
He emphasized Japan’s crucial role as one of Vietnam’s key partners in official development assistance (ODA), investment, trade, and labor. Additionally, he noted the expansion of cooperation into new areas like energy transition, green transition, and digital transformation.
Son acknowledged Japan’s diverse support for Vietnam’s socio-economic development, particularly through ODA that has been instrumental in infrastructural advancements symbolizing the bilateral ties.
In talks with Vice President of the House of Councillors Nagahama Hiroyuki, Son proposed enhanced mutual visits, parliamentary exchanges across all levels, and intensified economic connections through ODA, investment, and trade.
He urged Japan to accelerate new-generation ODA initiatives and cooperation in training skilled personnel for sectors like semiconductor, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and high-speed railways.
Son also encouraged simplification of visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens by the Japanese Government and advocated for long-term visa considerations.
Nagahama extended condolences for the late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and invited Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to visit Japan, showing commitment to fortifying the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
At the meeting with JICA Executive Senior Vice President Miyazaki Katsura, Son urged the expedited approval of new ODA loans with favorable conditions for large-scale projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and environmental protection.
He also stressed the importance of human resources training, support for digital transformation, green transition, innovation, and administrative reform, and swift progress in key ODA projects between Vietnam and Japan.
Miyazaki appreciated the recent collaboration discussions and committed to considering Vietnamese proposals for ODA-funded projects and new HR training areas.
Meeting Governor Suzuki Naomichi from Hokkaido, Son praised their dedication to enhancing cooperation with Vietnam, especially in labor, culture, and tourism.
He urged Hokkaido to deepen ties with Vietnamese localities in various fields like trade, investment, and Japanese language education.
The FM encouraged local businesses to invest in Vietnam, particularly in high-tech agriculture, forestry, and seafood processing, and to support workforce training for industries like semiconductors.
Suzuki affirmed Hokkaido’s commitment to fostering bilateral cooperation, increasing HR collaborations, and providing support for the Vietnamese community residing in the prefecture.
He acknowledged the significant contributions made by the Vietnamese community in Hokkaido and expressed readiness to further assist them.
Cultural and people-to-people exchanges such as the Vietnam Festival in Sapporo city and the Hokkaido Festival in Ha Long city will continue to strengthen the bond between Vietnamese and Japanese people.
Lastly, Son met with former Special Ambassador Sugi Ryotaro, recognizing his contributions to the enduring friendship between Japan and Vietnam over the past three decades.
