General SecretaryNguyen Phu Trong received and gave interviews to several major Japanese news agencies and newspapers. (Photo: Tri Dung/VNA)

At the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong will pay an official visit to Japan from September 15 to 18, 2015.

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On September 12, at the Central Headquarters of the Communist Party of Vietnam, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong received and answered interviews from a number of major Japanese news agencies and newspapers such as Kyodo News, Nikkei newspaper, NHK Television, Yomiuri Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun...
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Here is the full text of the questions and answers:
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- This is the General Secretary's first visit to Japan. Could you please tell us your expectations for the visit? What issues will the two sides discuss during this visit? What message do you want to send to the Japanese people through this visit? (NHK, Yomiuri Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun)
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General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong:This is my first official visit to Japan as General Secretary at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The visit takes place in the context of the very good development of our two countries' relations.
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With this visit, we would like to affirm Vietnam's consistent policy of considering Japan as one of the leading and long-term important development partners, comprehensively promoting and deepening the extensive strategic partnership between the two countries for peace and prosperity in Asia.
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With three highlights of promoting economic connectivity between the two economies, enhancing political trust and stepping up cooperation in regional and international issues, I hope that the results of the visit will create strong momentum, contributing to bringing the Vietnam-Japan relationship to new heights.
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As you know, Vietnam and Japan have a long-standing close relationship; the people of the two countries share many similar cultural values, have sincere friendship with each other, and the two countries have many great common interests in the short and long term. Now, the two countries are not only extensive strategic partners but also sincere friends who understand and respect each other.
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Vietnam welcomes a prosperous and developed Japan that plays an increasingly active role in peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. Strengthening the Vietnam-Japan friendship and cooperation meets the aspirations and is in line with the interests of the people of the two countries, the region and the world.
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- Please tell us the General Secretary's assessment of the Vietnam-Japan relationship in recent years, at present and in the future? What positive contributions do you expect Japan to make to the development of relations between the two countries in the coming time? (Kyodo News, Yomiuri Shimbun, NHK, Asahi Shimbun)
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General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong:I am pleased to note that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, especially since the end of the Cold War, the Vietnam-Japan relationship has overcome past obstacles and made important and substantial progress. With the establishment of the "Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia" in 2009 and its upgrade to the "Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia" in 2014, the cooperative relationship between our two countries has developed rapidly and effectively in all fields.
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Mutual trust between the two countries has been increasingly consolidated and strengthened, especially through regular visits and contacts between senior leaders and all levels of the two countries. Economic cooperation continues to develop strongly, especially in the fields of ODA, foreign direct investment (FDI), trade, tourism, etc. People-to-people and cultural exchanges have also taken place vigorously; understanding between the people of the two countries has become increasingly profound. These achievements are the result of mutual trust and understanding, promoting common interests, improving cooperation efficiency, and efforts towards the future of the leaders and people of the two countries.
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Continuing that momentum, Vietnam wishes to deepen its cooperation with Japan in a comprehensive and effective manner in all areas, especially the economic field. Japan is a developed industrial country with advantages in capital, technology and management experience. Vietnam is on the path of industrialization and modernization with rich resources, abundant human resources and a potential market.
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The two sides need to focus on maximizing their complementary advantages, further enhancing connectivity between the two economies, combined with strongly promoting potential areas of cooperation between the two countries. We also hope that Japan will continue to prioritize preferential ODA capital for Vietnam, increase investment in high technology, supporting industries, infrastructure development, agriculture, forestry and fisheries... to promote trade facilitation between the two countries, and promote direct cooperation between localities of the two countries.

At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen and improve the effectiveness of cooperation in education, training, science, technology, culture, tourism, labor, people-to-people exchange... cooperation in the fields of environmental protection, natural disaster prevention and control, climate change, defense and security cooperation... between the two countries.
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On that basis, with determination and efforts from both sides, I believe that the extensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan will continue to develop increasingly comprehensively and deeply for the benefit of the people of the two countries.
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- What ODA capital from Japan does Vietnam need most at present? Could you please give your assessment of the policy recently announced by the Japanese Government, "Partnership for Quality Infrastructure"? (Kyodo News)
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General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong:Japan is Vietnam's leading economic partner and the largest provider of official development assistance (ODA). Vietnam always appreciates the valuable support from the Government and people of Japan, and always strives to use Japan's ODA effectively, transparently and for the right purposes.
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I especially appreciate the cooperation and support of the Japanese Government in building and developing infrastructure in Vietnam. Major projects implemented with Japanese ODA capital such as Can Tho Bridge, Bai Chay Bridge, Nhat Tan Bridge, Hanoi Ring Road 3, Terminal T2 of Noi Bai International Airport... have been contributing to changing the face of the country's infrastructure, promoting socio-economic development and becoming vivid symbols of cooperation and friendship between the two countries.
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In the context of Vietnam restructuring its economy and renewing its growth model to basically turn the country into a modern industrialized one, we hope that Japan will continue to maintain a high level of ODA capital for Vietnam, especially in the fields of infrastructure, human resource development, advanced industrial and agricultural development, response to climate change and environmental issues, and improvement of economic management capacity...
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We also appreciate Japan's implementation of the "Partnership for Quality Infrastructure" Program to develop high-quality infrastructure in Asia and hope that Vietnam will become Japan's priority partner in this program.

General SecretaryNguyen Phu Trong with Japanese reporters and press assistants. (Photo: Tri Dung/VNA)

​- Many Japanese enterprises want to do business in Vietnam. Could you please give your opinion on the business relationship between the two countries? (Yomiuri Shimbun)

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong:Vietnam always attaches importance to economic cooperation with Japan. The two sides have agreed on many important projects and cooperation programs, including the Industrialization Strategy within the framework of Vietnam-Japan cooperation towards 2020, with a vision to 2030, with priority sectors such as electronics, agricultural machinery, agricultural and aquatic product processing, shipbuilding, environment, energy saving, automobile and auto parts manufacturing. Japan is also actively supporting Vietnam with technology and experience in the process of industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural areas.
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In addition, I believe that the establishment of the ASEAN Community at the end of 2015 as well as Vietnam and Japan's participation in the process of building regional economic links such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) will open up new opportunities for businesses of the two countries to strengthen investment and business cooperation.
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We welcome Japanese enterprises to increase and expand their investment in Vietnam in Japan's strong industries such as processing, manufacturing, construction, energy, etc. and to continue to explore and expand their investment in priority industries within the framework of cooperation between the two countries. I would like to affirm that the Party, State and people of Vietnam always strive to create favorable conditions for Japanese enterprises to invest and do business successfully in Vietnam.
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- In 2016, Vietnam will celebrate 30 years of implementing the Doi Moi policy. Could you please give your opinion on this, General Secretary? Recently, Vietnam has been assessed as a newly developed country in Asia with outstanding economic achievements. Besides, in Vietnam there still exist a number of problems such as corruption, the gap between rich and poor, the investment environment needs to be improved... How does Vietnam perceive and evaluate these remaining problems, and how will it solve them? (NHK, Asahi Shimbun, Yomiuri Shimbun)
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General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong:The renovation process in Vietnam has achieved great, comprehensive and historic achievements. In terms of socio-economic development, the average growth rate reached about 7% in the period 1991-2015. From an underdeveloped country, Vietnam has become a middle-income developing country since 2010 and is increasingly integrating deeply into the regional and world economy. Vietnam has also achieved many important goals among the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) ahead of schedule, especially achievements in hunger eradication, poverty reduction, health care and education.
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However, we are deeply aware that Vietnam still faces many difficulties and limitations such as low growth quality, low productivity and competitiveness of the economy, many obstacles in the business environment, corruption and waste have not been pushed back, and the lives of a segment of the population are slow to improve...
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To overcome the above difficulties and limitations, Vietnam is determined to innovate more strongly, comprehensively and synchronously, take advantage of favorable opportunities, mobilize and make the best use of all domestic and foreign resources, promote innovation of the growth model, and restructure the economy. We are determined to strive for sustainable development on the basis of macroeconomic stability, improving productivity and competitiveness of the economy; consistently holding the view that economic growth must go hand in hand with social justice and progress, and environmental protection.
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To do that, we are focusing on strongly implementing 3 strategic breakthroughs in institutions, human resources, infrastructure, focusing on faster and more sustainable economic development, proactively integrating internationally, promoting the industrialization process, and developing new rural areas. In addition, Vietnam is also continuing to promote administrative reform, creating transparent, safe and favorable mechanisms, policies and business environment for people and businesses to promote innovation and compete equally in the market economy.
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- Vietnam's economy currently has many advantages for success. Being a member of the ASEAN Community and a partner in free trade agreements such as the TPP are all favorable factors. How does the General Secretary assess Vietnam's economic prospects in the future? (Nikkei, Kyodo News)
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General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong:The important results that Vietnam has achieved in the renovation process are a solid foundation, creating momentum for the development of Vietnam's economy in the coming years. In addition, Vietnam's international integration is entering a new phase when the ASEAN Community began operating from the end of 2015.
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Vietnam has also officially signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with many partners, and is actively negotiating with other countries the final stage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)... Accordingly, with the prospect of completing 12 free trade agreements (FTA) in the coming time, Vietnam will become an important link in a large economic network with 55 partners, including 15 G-20 members.
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The strong changes in economic development and international integration are opening up new markets and development spaces, while promoting the Vietnamese economy to participate more deeply and effectively in regional and global production networks. Although I am aware that there are still many difficulties and challenges, I believe that with the current position and strength of the country, the Vietnamese economy will have strong changes and continue to develop rapidly and sustainably in the coming years.

- For the ASEAN Community, this is a year of great importance in the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community. Vietnam plays an important role in the ASEAN bloc. Could you please tell us, General Secretary, as a member of ASEAN, what kind of country does Vietnam want to become? Could you please tell us what assistance does Vietnam expect from Japan for ASEAN? (Yomiuri Shimbun)
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General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong:Twenty years ago, Vietnam decided to join ASEAN, a strategic step and the first breakthrough in Vietnam's international integration process, contributing to implementing the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, multilateralization, diversification of foreign relations and proactive and active international integration of the Party and State of Vietnam.
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We always attach importance to ASEAN's role in peace, stability and development in the region and the world. Our 11th Party Congress advocated "Proactively, positively and responsibly working with other countries to build a strong ASEAN Community, strengthen relations with partners, maintain and consolidate ASEAN's important role in cooperation frameworks in the Asia-Pacific region."
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Our consistent policy is to promote the building of a united and strong ASEAN Community. We are deeply aware that this is in Vietnam’s interest, but also in the common interest of the region. We have been, are and will continue to promote the role of a proactive, active and responsible member of ASEAN, striving to contribute more to the growth of the ASEAN Community in the coming time.
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Regarding the relationship between Japan and ASEAN, I am confident that not only Vietnam but also other ASEAN member countries look forward to working with Japan to continue to make positive and constructive contributions to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region, in the spirit of the ASEAN-Japan strategic partnership.
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As you know, in the next few months, the ASEAN Community will be established, marking the qualitative development of the Association, and laying the foundation for the Association to move to a higher stage of development and closer integration. Vietnam and its member countries hope for practical support and assistance from partner countries, including Japan, to implement existing commitments, agreements and cooperation programs, especially in supporting ASEAN in establishing the Community and building the Community after 2015.
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As a country with an important role and position in the region, we hope that Japan will continue to support ASEAN's central role in regional cooperation mechanisms; actively participate in ASEAN-initiated mechanisms such as ARF, EAS, ADMM+; closely coordinate with ASEAN in other international mechanisms such as APEC, ASEM, and the United Nations; strengthen coordination to deal with regional and global challenges, and promote cooperation with ASEAN in non-traditional security areas, especially areas where Japan has strengths such as cyber security, disaster relief, natural disasters, and anti-piracy...
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We appreciate the cooperation between Japan and the Mekong Subregion countries and hope that Japan will continue to actively support the development of the East-West economic corridor and the sustainable management and use of Mekong River water resources.
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We also look forward to strong developments in economic, trade and investment cooperation between ASEAN and Japan as we aim to double bilateral trade and investment by 2022 through the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan 10-year Strategic Economic Cooperation Roadmap. The two sides also need to soon conclude the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement and work with ASEAN to promote the completion of negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement as well as its implementation after the completion of negotiations. We hope that Japan will continue to strengthen its support for ASEAN in implementing regional integration and connectivity.
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- Vietnam has established a single-party political system for many years in its history. Currently, such a political system is very rare in the world. Do you believe that this unique political system will be maintained long into the future? (Asahi Shimbun)
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General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong:Human history shows that the formation of political institutions is based on the specific historical, political, economic, cultural and social circumstances and conditions of each country. There is no single model to apply to all countries. Vietnam's political regime is the result of Vietnam's specific historical process, including the people's trust and broad support for the role of the Communist Party of Vietnam in the long-term struggle for national liberation, national unification, national innovation and development, and national defense.
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I believe that the core essence of democracy is to ensure that power truly belongs to the people, by the people and for the people; any political institution that meets the requirements, aspirations and legitimate interests of the vast majority of the people and of the nation will have a long-lasting and strong vitality, regardless of whether there is one party or multiple parties. And the important and decisive issue is not the quantity but the quality of the party, that is, whose party is it, how is it organized, operates and for whose benefit, what is its relationship with the people, how does it serve the country and the people, and is it supported by the vast majority of the people or not?
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Over the past 85 years, the Communist Party of Vietnam has always strived for a single, unchanging principle, which is to serve the interests of the people, to be closely attached to the people, for the interests of the country and the nation. The Communist Party of Vietnam has always been receptive, self-critical and innovative, overcoming limitations to constantly improve itself in order to best fulfill the tasks assigned by the people, worthy of being a true representative of the vast masses of Vietnamese people, of the Vietnamese nation.
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The goal of building a Vietnam with a rich people, a strong country, democracy, equality and civilization is the earnest desire of the Vietnamese people today. The cause of innovation, industrialization and modernization of the country led by the Communist Party of Vietnam has brought many practical benefits to the people and received widespread support from the masses. The trust and support of the people is the most important and decisive basis for the leadership role of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The Vietnamese people have the right to decide their own destiny and we believe that this is the right choice for the bright future of the Vietnamese nation.
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- Vietnam is a socialist country, however, Vietnam actually also has a market economy. What do you think about this transition? (Nikkei)
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General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong:It is true that Vietnam advocates a consistent and long-term policy of developing a socialist-oriented market economy, or in other words, a multi-sector commodity economy, operating under a market mechanism, under State management, following a socialist orientation. This is a creative discovery of Vietnam, which is both in accordance with general rules and in accordance with Vietnamese reality.
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We all know that the market economy is a common achievement of human civilization. In the transition to socialism, Vietnam's application of the market economy is an objective necessity, in accordance with the laws of development and the trend of the times. But reality also shows that in today's era, no country can entrust all economic issues to the "invisible hand" of the market, but must combine the market economy with the macro-regulation of the State.
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Vietnam advocates the development of a market economy, respects the laws of the market economy, creates a favorable environment and conditions for investment, production and business activities to develop the economy, has fair and healthy competition among economic sectors, proactively and actively integrates into the world market. At the same time, Vietnam also attaches importance to the regulatory role of the State to ensure the market operates healthily and effectively, uses economic policies and tools to promote sustainable development, implements social progress and equity in each step and each development policy, links economic development with hunger eradication, poverty reduction, improves and enhances people's lives, protects the ecological environment... step by step towards socialism. We do not believe that the socialist orientation contradicts the market economy. On the contrary, it is a dialectical, necessary combination, suitable to Vietnam's reality.
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- What is the biggest challenge that the Communist Party of Vietnam is facing now? How will the Party address this challenge at the 12th Party Congress? Could you please tell us some of the main issues that the Party Congress will discuss? Will there be any changes in the Party's role after the Congress? What direction will Vietnam take? Could you please tell us your opinion on domestic and foreign policies, economic policies...? (Yomiuri Shimbun, Kyodo News)
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General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong:The 12th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam will take place at a time when Vietnam has gone through 30 years of Doi Moi. This is a very important historical period for Vietnam, marking the maturity in all aspects of the Party and State of Vietnam. The 12th National Congress is expected to discuss and decide on major domestic and foreign policies and guidelines of Vietnam in the next 5 years, aiming to bring the country into a period of sustainable development and deep international integration.
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The Congress will summarize a number of theoretical and practical issues over 30 years of renovation, pointing out the advantages, opportunities, difficulties and challenges, on that basis clarifying major theoretical issues to determine the development direction of Vietnam in the new period, such as: steps of the transition period; socialist-oriented market economy; model and method of social management; synchronous and appropriate innovation between economy and politics; driving force of renovation and development process in Vietnam in the new period... Party building work will also be highly valued, aiming to build a clean and strong Party, improve the leadership capacity of the Communist Party of Vietnam, to meet the requirements in the coming period.
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We persistently implement the synchronous and comprehensive Renovation policy to develop the economy rapidly and sustainably, associated with innovation of the growth model, ensuring political stability, order, social justice, promoting democracy and improving people's lives. Focus on implementing solutions to improve development quality and labor productivity; carry out 3 strategic breakthroughs: perfecting the socialist-oriented market economic institution, rapidly developing human resources, especially high-quality human resources, as well as building synchronous infrastructure.

Regarding foreign affairs, we persistently pursue an independent, self-reliant foreign policy; peace, cooperation and development; multilateralization and diversification of international relations. This is the consistent policy of the Party and State of Vietnam. In the coming time, we will continue to promote comprehensive international integration; deepen relations with partners, including Japan; proactively and actively participate in multilateral forums in the spirit of "Vietnam is an active and responsible member of the international community"./.

According to VNA/VN+