The news agency quoted a number of Japanese officials who said that during the course of bilateral talks Japanese PM Suga will promote efforts aimed at implementing a free and open Indo-Pacific policy. In addition, he will aim to pursue a joint path with PM Phuc to facilitate the supply of medical equipment and other important items between the two nations.
At present, Japan is in the process of diversifying its supply chain in an effort to reduce the risk of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including reducing their reliance on medical masks imported from China.
The Japanese Government has also promoted business support packages aimed at shifting production activities to Southeast Asia. So far, 30 Japanese companies involved in areas such as manufacturing medical protective equipment and producing components for car engines are eligible to receive support, with half of these operating locally within Vietnam.
Following this on the same day, the Japanese leaders addressed Vietnam-Japan University students, an institution that was originally established in 2016 with the support of both Governments.
During his debut visit to the country, PM Suga will also hold meetings with Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong, in addition to National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, before heading to Indonesia on October 20.
The four-day overseas visit will run from October 18 to October 21 and will take in both Vietnam and Indonesia. This marks the first overseas trip by the new Japanese PM since taking office on September 16.
