HA NOI — The Government and people of Viet Nam would spare no efforts to boost co-operative relations with Japan, particularly in the areas of economy, trade and investment, to bring practical benefits to both countries.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the statement while receiving a 37-strong Japanese business delegation headed by Hiroyuki Yoshino, a senior advisor of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in Ha Noi yesterday.

The Prime Minister said he was delighted at positive developments in bilateral ties between the two nations, especially in economy, trade and investment, adding that Japan was a leading investor and official development assistance (ODA) provider in Viet Nam.

"The two countries are aiming at building a strategic partnership to not only foster bilateral co-operation, but also to promote development in the region as a whole," he said.

Yoshino echoed the Prime Minister’s views, saying that a series of business forums had been held in both Japan and Viet Nam as part of celebrations of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two that would help intensify economic, trade and investment relations.

The Japanese senior advisor, who is also Vice President of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recommended that the two nations sign a bilateral economic agreement as soon as possible and work together to better Viet Nam’s investment environment and human resource development.

The Prime Minister told his guests that Viet Nam and Japan had successfully concluded negotiations and expected to sign the bilateral economic agreement soon to facilitate comprehensive co-operation between the two countries.

Viet Nam had placed great importance on improving the investment environment, focusing on infrastructure, administrative reform and supporting industry, as well as working towards human resource and education development, the Government leader noted.

The same day, representatives from over 100 Vietnamese and Japanese businesses gathered at a seminar in Ha Noi to discuss making the most of opportunities and overcoming challenges to their future co-operation. — VNA/VNS