Prime Minister meets Japanese entrepreneurs

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The Japanese business representatives appreciated Vietnam’s development potential in various spheres, noting with satisfaction the thriving extensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

An executive of J-Power introduced the group’s strength and capacity with modern and environmentally friendly technologies, and said they want to continue investing in coal electricity in Vietnam.

Leaders of Capital Partners Securities and Daiwa Securities noted they have carried out a number of projects in securities and finance along with cultural exchanges in Vietnam. They hoped the meeting would create favourable precrequisites for their investment and cooperation activities with the country in the time ahead.

The Japanese entrepreneurs also voiced their hope that PM Phuc will continue facilitating their firms’ production and business activities in Vietnam.

At the meeting, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh applauded J-Power’s intention to expand investment in energy, adding that coal power is important to Vietnam at present since other energy sources are nearing the limit level while renewable energy is just in the initial stage in the country.

He noted the Vietnamese Government’s special attention to environmental protection in the development of coal power. 

Speaking at the working session, PM Phuc said it is a good time now for Japanese enterprises to invest in Vietnam as the two countries have reached high-level agreements on boosting cooperation. 

He described Japan as the top supplier of official development assistance, the third largest source of tourist arrivals and the fourth largest trade partner of Vietnam, and bilateral cooperative potential remains huge. 

Vietnam is striving for rapid and sustainable development so that demand for energy and finance for economic growth is extremely high, he said, adding that the Vietnamese government is pursuing the goal of a transparent and constructive Cabinet which best serves investors. 

The PM affirmed to the Japanese business circle that Vietnam considers the private sector and foreign direct investment important resources for country development. 

He asked Japanese firms to work closely with the Vietnamese ministries of Planning and Investment, and Industry and Trade to accelerate projects in Vietnam, particularly those regarding infrastructure and power energy for production and consumption. 

Urging Japanese investors to engage in equitisation of State-owned enterprises in Vietnam, the leader said the government is carrying out the policy to reduce State control and withdraw capital from many areas, including energy, finance and banking, which open ups many opportunities for Japanese investors. 

PM Phuc also expressed hope to promote cultural cooperation between the two countries. 

Later, the PM hosted receptions for Yuji Nakamine, member of the board of directors and General Director for Asia, Europe, Pacific, the Middle East and Africa of Mazda, and President and CEO of Route Inn Katsutoshi Nagayama.