A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed at this meeting, covering labor, wages, transport and logistics services, support for SMEs, pharmaceuticals distribution, and the Investment and Enterprise Laws.

The initiative, launched in April 2003 as a result of special cooperation between the two Governments, aims to create an open and transparent business and investment climate in Vietnam through a policy dialogue between Japanese investors and relevant Vietnamese ministries and agencies, said Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung.


The Vietnam-Japan Joint Initiative has been implemented over 5 phases with more than 440 plans of action. 

It also makes proposals to help competent Vietnamese agencies fine-tune laws and policies, he noted.

Japanese Ambassador Fukada Hiroshi highlighted the significantly improved local investment environment as a contribution to helping Vietnam attract more foreign investments including those from Japan.