Trade cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural interactions between Hanoi and Japanese localities have all developed positively, becoming a model for cooperation between the two countries.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh (r) and Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki. Photos: Lien Ha/The Hanoi Times

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh made the comments during a meeting with the newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, Ito Naoki, today [July 2].

At the meeting, Ambassador Ito Naoki expressed his honor at being welcomed by the city leaders and shared his delight at the significant milestones in Japan-Vietnam relations. In 2023, the two countries celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations and upgraded their relationship to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World,” with Hanoi playing a central role in these celebrations, greatly contributing to the elevation of bilateral relations.

“With 1,500 projects and a total investment of $11.3 billion from Japan, Hanoi has proven to be a major urban area that attracts the Japanese business community,” noted Naoki.

He shared that one of the goals for his term is to concretize and further promote cooperation between Hanoi and Japanese localities, building on the solid foundation of traditional bilateral relations.

In this context, Naoki expressed his hope that the city administration would continue to maintain a favorable business environment, facilitating the expansion of Japanese business investments and economic activities, thereby contributing positively to the capital's development.

Delegates at the meeting.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh expressed his gratitude for the Ambassador's insights and his pleasure at the successful series of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations held in the capital in 2023.

Agreeing with the assessment that Vietnam-Japan bilateral relations have made remarkable progress, the Chairman cited the visit to Japan by a Hanoi delegation led by Nguyen Thi Tuyen, Member of the Party Central Committee and Permanent Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, in November 2023 as convincing evidence.

Furthermore, Thanh appreciated the role of Japanese-funded projects in the city and affirmed that trade cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural interactions between Hanoi and Japanese localities have all developed positively, becoming a model for bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, both sides discussed various topics of mutual interest, including Japanese-funded projects in Hanoi such as the Yen Xa Wastewater Treatment System, Metro Line No. 2, Hanoi Smart City, and the Vietnam-Japan University.

Thanh briefed  Ambassador Ito Naoki on the solutions being taken by the Hanoi administration to address existing issues and expedite these projects. He also urged investors to be diligent in project implementation, ensuring timely completion and the creation of modern infrastructure for the capital.

The Chairman wished Ambassador Ito Naoki a successful tenure, with many achievements contributing to the increasingly effective and practical Vietnam-Japan relationship.