Prime Minister Chính Seeks Enhanced Japanese Support for Vietnam’s Strategic Infrastructure Projects

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has urged Japan to increase its financial support and new-generation official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam, particularly for strategic infrastructure projects with transformative potential, including the North-South high-speed railway, nuclear power, and urban rail systems in Hanoi and Hồ Chí Minh City.

During a reception for Japanese Minister of Finance Kato Katsunobu in Hanoi today, Prime Minister Chính emphasized the importance of financial cooperation as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Japan. He commended Japan’s effective financial contributions to large-scale infrastructure projects in Vietnam, citing examples such as the Nhat Tan Bridge in Hanoi, Terminal T2 at Nội Bài International Airport, and Metro Line 1 in Hồ Chí Minh City, which began commercial operations in December 2024.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the progress made in the restructuring of the Nghi Sơn refinery and petrochemical project in Thanh Hóa province, urging Kato to advocate for greater involvement from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) in this project. He called for a partnership based on harmonized interests and shared risks, emphasizing that the project should become a symbol of mutually beneficial cooperation.

With Vietnam targeting at least 8% GDP growth in 2025, Prime Minister Chính stressed the nation’s need for substantial capital to accelerate and implement its development agenda efficiently. He called for continued international cooperation, particularly from Japan, in key areas such as technology transfer, human resource training, governance capacity, and digital transformation. Additionally, the Prime Minister proposed deeper collaboration in sectors like investment and trade promotion, science and technology, innovation, and climate change response.

He further emphasized the importance of strengthening educational ties and ensuring favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Japan. Prime Minister Chính also requested Japan’s assistance in infrastructure development, disaster risk mitigation, and projects under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC).

In response, Minister Kato expressed admiration for Vietnam’s robust economic growth and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the Vietnamese community in Japan, which comprises about one-quarter of the foreign expatriates, and emphasized the need for both nations to work together to resolve obstacles and expedite ongoing and new projects.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Chính extended an invitation to Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru to visit Việt Nam in the near future, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.

This meeting underscores the growing partnership between Vietnam and Japan, particularly in advancing strategic infrastructure and fostering deeper cooperation across various sectors.