Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio (Photo: Japanese Embassy in Vietnam) On this occasion, JapaneseAmbassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio granted an interview to theVietnam News Agency (VNA). The following is the full text of the interview.
Reporter: TheJapanese government has invited Vietnamese leaders to attend the G7 Summit inHiroshima scheduled for May 20-21. Can you share your thoughts on why Japan isinterested in having Vietnam participate in these significant events, inaddition to the long-standing relationship between the two nations?
Ambassador Yamada Takio: The reason Japan extended aninvitation to Vietnam to attend the expanded G7 Summit is due to Vietnam'ssignificance as an important and essential partner in realising the objectivesof Japan's Free and Open Pacific (FOIP) strategy, particularly in the IndianOcean Region. Vietnam possesses the ability and determination toactively contribute to resolving key global issues that are expected to beraised during this G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
Among the member countries of ASEAN, only Indonesia, as theASEAN Chair 2023, and Vietnam have been invited to participate in this G7Summit. In addition to Vietnam, the invitation has also been extended toBrazil, the Republicof Korea, and Australia, countriesthat are not chairs of regional or international forums or cooperationmechanisms. These invitations highlight Japan's significant emphasis oncooperating with Vietnam.
Moreover, Japan and Vietnam reached an agreement during ahigh-level online conversation held in February 2023 between Prime MinisterKishida Fumio of Japan and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.They agreed to elevate their existing extensive strategic partnership to a newlevel this year.
The invitation extended to Vietnam to attend this G7Summit marks a crucial milestone in upgrading the partnership between Japan andVietnam. It also serves as a driving force for advancing this partnership tonew heights.
Japanese Ambassador Yamada Takio (Photo: Japanese Embassy in Vietnam) Ambassador Yamada Takio: Japan's invitation to Vietnam toattend the G7 Summit in Hiroshima serves as a clear affirmation of Vietnam'scrucial role as an important and indispensable partner in the realisation ofJapan's Free and Open Pacific (FOIP) vision. It also reflects Japan's deeprespect and appreciation for Vietnam’s sincere commitment to actively andconstructively contribute to addressing global challenges.
The forthcoming G7 Summit in Hiroshima is expected toprioritise the discussion of climate change, which is recognised as a key issuerequiring international consensus and resolution. In this regard, Vietnam’sstrong political commitment to this sector, demonstrated by the Government of Vietnam’sambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, positions Vietnam as asignificant contributor to the deliberations on this pressing matter at the G7meeting.
Reporter: During theG7 Ministers' Meeting on Climate, Energy, and Environment held in Sapporo,Hokkaido, in April this year, member countries made a commitment to acceleratethe transition to clean energy and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions no later than 2050. Similarly, at COP26, Vietnam’s Prime Ministerpledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and reduce emissions by 30% by 2030compared to 2020 levels. Considering this, what steps do you believe Japan cantake to assist Vietnam in fulfilling its pledge?
Ambassador Yamada Takio: As climate change remains a pressingglobal issue, it is anticipated that it will be a significant topic ofdiscussion at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, led by Prime Minister Kishida. Thisissue requires active and collective efforts from the international community.
Vietnam, despite experiencing steady economic growth inrecent years, continues to face climate-related disasters annually. In responseto this situation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhannounced an ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 duringCOP26. Vietnam is actively promoting a green transition through policies thatprioritise the development of green energy, clean energy, and a green economy.
The Government of Japan will lend its support to Vietnam’sefforts in energy transition, particularly in areas such as biomass, hydrogen,ammonia, and CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage). This support willbe channeled through the "Asian Zero Emissions Community” initiative(AZEC)," taking into account the specific circumstances of Vietnam’seconomy. Additionally, Japan will collaborate with partner countries tofacilitate the decarbonisation process through initiatives like the "JapanEnergy Transition Partnership (JETP)," which promotes fair energy exchangeand renewable energy.
Furthermore, in terms of digital transformation, Japanrecognises the achievements of many Vietnamese enterprises in the IT sector. Vietnampossesses strengths such as a talented and young scientific workforce,technical staff, proficient IT engineers, and a positive business mindset. Thisopens up opportunities for novel forms of cooperation between Japan and Vietnam,particularly in areas like digital transformation in the manufacturingindustry, where Vietnamese IT engineers have developed software tailored forthis sector.
By leveraging these strengths and exploring collaborativeavenues, Japan and Vietnam can advance their partnership while addressingclimate change and fostering digital transformation.
Reporter: This yearmarks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations betweenJapan and Vietnam, and you have been in Vietnam for more than three yearsnow. Which areas of bilateral cooperation do you find most pleasing, and inwhich areas do you believe the two countries can further strengthen their ties?
Ambassador Yamada Takio: Vietnam is a vital and indispensablepartner in Japan's pursuit of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). Japan firmlybelieves that in collaboration with Vietnam, they can foster robust cooperationmechanisms that contribute to peace and prosperity in the region.
Currently, Japan-Vietnam relations have reached anunprecedented level of development. In the realm of economics, as bothcountries commemorate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2023,the Japanese government is committed to facilitating increased investment byJapanese enterprises in Vietnam. These investments have significantlycontributed to Vietnam’s economic growth thus far, and Japan aims to furtherinvigorate this partnership. Furthermore, Japan seeks to restore the OfficialDevelopment Assistance (ODA) programme for Vietnam, which had been previouslydiscontinued in 2017. This restoration would focus on supporting infrastructuredevelopment and enhancing Vietnam’s investment environment, thereby creatingfavourable conditions for the country's continued economic progress.
Japan also looks forward to strengthening cooperation invarious areas, including green transformation (GX), digital transformation(DX), modernisation, industrialisation, and human resource development in Vietnam.By deepening collaboration in these fields, both nations can drive sustainablegrowth and advance their respective goals.
In the face of an increasingly challenging securityenvironment, it is essential to underscore the growing significance of securityand defence cooperation between Japan and Vietnam. The active participation ofJapanese enterprises in the Vietnam International Defence Exhibition 2022, heldin Hanoi in December 2022, highlights the emerging potential for collaborationin the field of defence and security between the two countries. As we enter2023, I am hopeful that this year will witness the tangible advancement ofcooperation activities in the realm of security and defence between Japan and Vietnam.
Building upon the agreements reached between the seniorleaders of both countries during the online conversation between Prime MinisterKishida Fumio of Japan and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongof the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam in February 2023, Iam determined to elevate Japan-Vietnam relations to a new level of significantdevelopment. This comprehensive strategic partnership extends not onlybilaterally but also extends its influence regionally and globally.
Reporter: In youropinion, what areas need improvement in Vietnam in order to attract moreJapanese businesses in particular and businesses in general?
Ambassador Yamada Takio: Vietnam has demonstrated remarkablesuccess in attracting investments from various countries, and I hold highregard for Vietnam’s proactive engagement in economic partnership frameworks,such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-PacificPartnership (CPTPP), as well as its ongoing efforts to eliminate barriers toentry.
According to surveys conducted among Japanese businesses, Vietnamis recognised as the world's most appealing and favoured investmentdestination. Nevertheless, Vietnam still faces certain challenges that need tobe addressed.
Firstly, there is a need for further improvement ininfrastructure. Enhancing transportation and energy infrastructure willsignificantly enhance Vietnam’s appeal as a market for Japanese investors. Inparticular, there is ample room for development in areas such as highways,railways, and other transport infrastructure.
Secondly, there is a concern regarding procedural issues.Japanese investors have reported delays and uncertainties related to proceduresand regulations. It is my hope that Vietnam will exert additional efforts toaddress and improve these matters, creating a more streamlined and efficientenvironment for investment.
Reporter: Whataspects of Vietnam do you particularly enjoy?
Ambassador Yamada Takio: Throughout my tenure of three years andone month in Vietnam, I had the privilege of visiting various regions spanningfrom the North to the South, both for business and personal reasons. Eachlocality possesses its own distinct charm, and I am profoundly impressed by thecountry's diverse culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Having previouslyserved as a UNESCO ambassador, I had numerous opportunities to explore Vietnam’scultural heritage, and I am particularly captivated by its awe-inspiringlandscapes and rich cultural traditions.
Furthermore, I have had the pleasure of meeting numerousVietnamese individuals. Interactions with the cheerful and generous Vietnamese peoplehave left me feeling energised. The country is home to many remarkable andhardworking individuals, and it is the indomitable spirit and dedication of theVietnamese people that have driven the country's vitality and progress.
The Vietnamese community in Japan is approximately 490,000,making it the second-largest expatriate community. Over the past decade, theVietnamese community has grown nine-fold and has actively contributed acrossvarious fields. This dynamic exchange of human resources has laid a solidfoundation for the relationship between our two nations.
I am drawn to the similarities and close ties between Japanand Vietnam in numerous aspects, including cuisine, lifestyle, fashion, music,and more. In my view, the understanding and empathy shared between people serveas the bedrock for the development of Japan-Vietnam relations. As anambassador, my aim is to create numerous opportunities for the Vietnamesepeople to recognise and reaffirm these shared values and deepen our bilateralties.
Reporter: Thank you for your interview./.
VNA
