Devote all efforts to realize Japan-Vietnam high-level aspirations: Ambassador Ito Naoki
WVR - Sharing with Vietnamese media in a nearly two-hour interview on February 28, the new Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki emphasized that despite the strong foundation of bilateral relations, many 'horizons' for cooperation remain open.
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| New Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki. (Photo: WVR/Tuan Viet) |
Cooperation for a better world
New Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki expressed his delight as the relationship between Vietnam and Japan was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World in November 2023.
This milestone coincides with the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two nations, marking a significant and symbolic event.
Over the past decade, the partnership between the two countries has evolved from an Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World. This transformation signifies a deeper and broader cooperation, extending beyond the Asian region to address global issues. Ambassador Ito Naoki remarked that this change demonstrates how Japan and Vietnam have become partners working together to tackle common global challenges.
He emphasized that this advancement reflects Vietnam's growing role and position within ASEAN and the international community. Vietnam is increasingly developing economically and becoming a trusted partner for many countries worldwide. “The two countries will build a relationship that allows for broader cooperation across more fields than ever before. I believe my most important task is to concretize this Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the next 50 years,” Ambassador Ito Naoki shared.
The Japanese government considers Vietnam an extremely important partner in implementing the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy, grounded in the principles of the rule of law and international law.
Revitalizing ODA
In addition to security and political fields, Ambassador Ito Naoki aspires to further enhance trade and investment cooperation. The Japanese Government and businesses will unite to boost collaboration with Vietnam, aiming for the ambitious goal of Vietnam becoming a developed country by 2045.
Over the past 30 years, Japanese ODA has achieved significant results, totaling 3,260.2 billion Yen. “What I hope for is to revitalize cooperation through ODA, not just by utilizing Japanese technology and expertise in infrastructure cooperation. I think it is crucial to expand cooperation in new fields such as digital transformation, green transition, healthcare, and education,” the Ambassador stated.
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| Nhat Tan Bridge is a symbol of cooperation between Vietnam and Japan. (Photo: VNA) |
Last December, during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to Japan, the two countries agreed on a cooperation list for large-scale projects. These crucial projects include private investment and ODA loan assistance, totalling over 30 billion USD. Ambassador Ito Naoki asserted that Japan's collaboration with Vietnam to steadfastly promote these projects is of utmost importance, reflecting the determination of the high-level leaders of both countries. During his tenure, Ambassador Ito Naoki will focus on driving and completing these listed projects.
Many "cycles of cooperation" benefiting both sides
Besides ODA, labour assistance and the semiconductor industry are topics that Ambassador Ito Naoki eagerly shared.
Currently, approximately 570,000 Vietnamese are living in Japan, including 420,000 workers, making Vietnam the leading country in terms of labour presence in Japan.
Ambassador Ito Naoki pointed out that amid Japan's challenges of an ageing population and labour shortages, Vietnamese workers are and will continue to make significant contributions to Japan's economic and social development. They are engaged in various fields, such as caregiving, agriculture, industry, and food processing. “The Japanese Government is committed to creating a safe working environment so that foreign workers feel secure and happy working here,” stressed Ambassador Ito Naoki.
Since 2019, the fields in which Vietnamese can work in Japan have expanded. Skilled technical interns are allowed to stay longer with better guarantees, enabling them to work with peace of mind and later serve Vietnam's workforce needs and Japanese businesses operating in Vietnam, the Ambassador added.
Furthermore, the two nations are also participating in training semiconductor human resources. High-skilled Vietnamese workers will work in Japan, develop their expertise in this field, and then return to work for semiconductor enterprises in Vietnam. Mr Ito Naoki considered this a very positive cycle of cooperation between Japan and Vietnam.
In March of this year, the two countries agreed to implement the Japan-Vietnam Joint Initiative in the new era, focusing on innovation, digital transformation, and high-tech sector training. Within this initiative's framework, Japanese and Vietnamese government agencies will discuss promoting high-quality human resource training activities soon. Recently, a Japanese company invested in the semiconductor sector in Hai Phong, employing around 3,000 workers. “I hope Japanese investment in Vietnam, especially in semiconductors, will increase in the coming time,” Ambassador Ito Naoki said.
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| Art performance at the “Vietnam - Japan autumn colours” in Hanoi on on October 12, 2023, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam - Japan diplomatic relations. (Photo: VNA) |
An Open Embassy
As a new Ambassador from the “Land of the Rising Sun”, Mr Ito Naoki looks forward to many experiences in Vietnam during his tenure. Since starting his term in mid-May, he has spent time visiting historical sites in Hanoi such as the Temple of Literature and Thang Long Imperial Citadel. He noticed Hanoi's rich cultural heritage and the blend of tradition and modernity. Additionally, he observed a vibrant lifestyle in Vietnam with a young population.
During his time working in Vietnam, the Ambassador wants to explore the musical preferences of young Vietnamese besides traditional music and try all kinds of noodles. “Japan and Vietnam share a common love for noodles. I want to enjoy all kinds of noodles here, such as pho, vermicelli… with different flavours,” he expressed.
The Japanese Embassy in Hanoi recently opened a cultural centre to enhance interaction with the Vietnamese people, offering young people opportunities to experience Japanese culture through trying on yukata, reading books, comics, and learning about tea ceremonies. Through these activities, Ambassador Ito Naoki hopes that Vietnamese people will develop a fondness for and feel close to Japan, leading to more young Vietnamese choosing Japan for studying and living.
2023 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam, highlighted by events such as the visit of Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, and the premiere of the opera “Princess Anio.” Ambassador Ito Naoki believes that further promoting cultural, academic, and people-to-people exchanges based on the successes of the 50th anniversary year is crucial.
To foster cooperation across many vast fields as mentioned, the understanding and support of the friendly Vietnamese people, especially the youth, is indispensable.
“We hope the Embassy will become a place that warmly welcomes the Vietnamese people, and the cultural information center of the Embassy exemplifies an open embassy. This is the center of cultural exchange,” Ambassador Ito Naoki shared.
