CCTV News: Japan offers $6.1 billion in aid to Mekong countries

Separately, the government in Tokyo will provide ¥750 billion ($6.1 billion) over three years to develop infrastructure and conserve the environment.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe rolled out the red carpet Friday for the leaders of Thailand and other “Mekong Five” countries as it pushes infrastructure exports and courts influence in a region where rival China has an increasing presence.

Cambodia has launched and been strongly committed to effectively implementing the national Industrial Development Policy 2015-2025 by focusing on economic connectivity to the region through trade diversification, investment promotion, SMEs enhancement, skill development and competitiveness and productivity improvement.

“Both sides noted concerns expressed over the recent development in the South China Sea, which will further complicate the situation and erode trust and confidence and may undermine regional peace, security and stability”, as mentioned by an official communique released following the summit.

The “recent development” is a veiled reference to China’s large-scale land reclamation in the hotly contested Spratly Islands in what is seen by other claimants and third-party countries such as Japan and the United States as an attempt to force changes in the status quo.

PM Dung said Viet Nam treasured its partnership with Japan and always favoured Japan’s role and positive contributions to peace, stability, co-operation and progress in the region and the world. He himself accepted the invitation to visit Viet Nam again soon.

Regarding economic cooperation, the two leaders concurred to closely cooperate to effectively carry out key projects and early finalize a medium- and long-term vision for agricultural cooperation.

Abe committed to maintain Japan’s ODA for Viet Nam’s sustainable growth, including funds for the construction of Cho Ray 2 Hospital, also known as the Viet Nam-Japan Friendship Hospital. Mr Dung added that he and Mr Abe agreed on the importance of upholding freedom of navigation in the disputed waters.

PM Dung also suggested the Japanese government actively support Vietnam in human resources development, encourage Japanese firms to engage in the Vietnam – Japan university project, receive more Vietnamese nurses and orderlies.

The joint statement issued after the summit meeting called for achieving “quality growth”, especially in terms of investment in high-quality infrastructure. He will join in a discussion with the Japanese House of Representative Speaker and the President of the House of Councillors after the forum, before attending the dinner hosted by the Japanese Prime Minister.

Without expressly mentioning China, Japan made sure the South China Sea issue was discussed at the summit over the weekend. Such efforts will distinguish Japan’s assistance from that of China.

The two leaders also announced the basic conclusion of bilateral negotiations on their Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, while pledging to work with other member countries to conclude talks on the deal.

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“We highly value and look forward to Japan’s continued support for the position held by ASEAN countries”, Dung said in a written response to questions submitted by Japanese reporters ahead of his departure for Tokyo to participate in the 7th Mekong-Japan Summit to be held Saturday.