Vietnam to allow visa-free entry for Japanese to boost ties

Asian Political News, Dec 15, 2003

TOKYO, Dec. 9 Kyodo

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien told Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi on Tuesday that Vietnam plans to allow visa-free entry for Japanese travelers and business officials.

Nien said the plans were intended to promote Japanese tourism and investment in Vietnam and that Vietnam is also interested in a free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan to further boost economic ties, according to Japanese officials.

Kawaguchi, for her part, urged Vietnam to assist Japan in its efforts to resolve security issues concerning North Korea. Vietnam has diplomatic ties with North Korea.

The meeting between Nien and Kawaguchi was the first official event on the occasion of a summit between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Thursday and Friday.

Vietnam plans to offer 15-day visa-free entry for Japanese, and is now arranging the details, the Japanese officials said.

On Vietnam's seeking an FTA with Japan, Kawaguchi told Nien that Japan wants to deepen discussion, with the bilateral investment pact serving as a basis, the officials said.

A Japanese official indicated it may be too early to talk about an FTA because Vietnam has yet to enter the World Trade Organization.

Among the 10-member ASEAN, Japan has concluded an FTA only with Singapore, but will agree with Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines to launch formal FTA negotiations during the Japan-ASEAN summit.

Kawaguchi called for Vietnam's assistance of Japan's efforts to seek a comprehensive resolution to North Korea's missile and nuclear development as well as the issue of Japanese citizens the North abducted decades ago, the officials said.

Nien responded that Vietnam will work toward that end, the officials said.