Awarding the Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit to two Japanese corporations

On November 22, the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan held a ceremony to present the Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister of Vietnam to the two Co-Chairs of the Japan-Vietnam Economic Committee of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren): Mr. Masayoshi Fujimoto, President and CEO of Sojitz Corporation, and Mr. Shingo Ueno, President and CEO of Sumitomo Corporation.

These are two major economic corporations in Japan that have made significant contributions to the development of the friendly cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Japan.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu presented flowers to congratulate Mr. Masayoshi Fujimoto, President and CEO of Sojitz Corporation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu extended his warm congratulations to the two Chairmen and their corporations for receiving this honor. Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu expressed his gratitude to Sojitz Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation for their significant contributions to the development of relations between the two countries.

The Ambassador emphasized that this recognition reflects the appreciation and gratitude of the Vietnamese government and people for the tremendous contributions of Sojitz Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation, which have accompanied Vietnam's development over the past 50 years.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu presented the Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister of Vietnam to Mr. Masayoshi Fujimoto, President and CEO of Sojitz Corporation.

According to the Ambassador, Vietnam-Japan relations have flourished over the past 50 years. With nearly 40 years of Vietnam implementing its renovation and opening-up policies and 30 years of attracting foreign investment, both Sojitz Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation have been partners with Vietnam since the very beginning. Their substantial contributions extend not only to the economic sphere but also to social development and other aspects of the bilateral relationship.

The Ambassador also highlighted the roles of the two corporate Chairmen as Co-Chairs of the Japan-Vietnam Economic Committee. He noted that in this capacity, they have supported other Japanese businesses in collaborating and investing in Vietnam, setting a model that inspires other companies to invest in the country. The Ambassador affirmed that the success of Sojitz, Sumitomo, and other Japanese businesses is also the success of Vietnam.

He expressed his hope that, as Vietnam enters a new era of growth and national advancement, Sojitz Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation will continue to contribute to and prioritize Vietnam's development in this next stage. The Ambassador assured that the Embassy of Vietnam will remain a steadfast partner to these corporations, ensuring that the economic relations between the two countries continue to evolve, matching the significance of their bilateral ties.

He shared that throughout nearly 40 years of Vietnam’s renovation (Đổi mới) policy and 20 years since Sojitz was established, the corporation has steadfastly maintained its commitment to Vietnam, partnering with the country in developing business activities. Currently, Sojitz has expanded its operations to include more than 25 joint ventures in Vietnam. Mr. Masayoshi Fujimoto affirmed that the corporation’s relentless efforts have begun yielding positive results, and this past September, Sojitz celebrated its 20th anniversary in Ho Chi Minh City.

He emphasized that receiving this prestigious honor from the Prime Minister of Vietnam further strengthens the corporation's confidence, affirming that Sojitz’s path in Vietnam is the right one. Mr. Masayoshi Fujimoto expressed his gratitude for Vietnam’s support throughout Sojitz’s journey in the country and pledged to continue striving to contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s economy while fostering deeper friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu presented flowers to congratulate Mr. Shingo Ueno, President and CEO of Sumitomo Corporation.

Mr. Shingo Ueno, President and CEO of Sumitomo Corporation, also expressed his honor and gratitude for the prestigious award from the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He mentioned that Sumitomo has been active in various sectors in Vietnam, including industrial parks, power plants, chemicals, automobiles, and urban areas. Recently, Sumitomo has focused on expanding investments in industrial parks, attracting manufacturing businesses with a total investment of around 6.1 billion USD, creating over 100,000 jobs, and contributing to the economic development of Vietnam.

Mr. Shingo Ueno also introduced recent projects, including a supermarket chain in Hanoi, and most importantly, the Smart City urban development project in northern Hanoi. He affirmed that this is a major project that will continue to grow and contribute even more to Vietnam’s economic development.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu presented the Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister of Vietnam to Mr. Shingo Ueno, President and CEO of Sumitomo Corporation.

Referring to his position as Co-Chair of the Vietnam-Japan Economic Committee of Keidanren, he pledged to continue promoting the Japan-Vietnam Joint Initiative and supporting Vietnam. Mr. Shingo Ueno stated that he would organize business delegations to visit Vietnam, explore investment opportunities, and promote economic exchanges between the two countries.

The ceremony for presenting the Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister of Vietnam to the leaders of the two Japanese corporations took place.

Mr. Shingo Ueno expressed his desire for deeper economic cooperation between the two countries and stronger economic growth in Vietnam. He emphasized that receiving the Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister of Vietnam further strengthens Sumitomo's determination to contribute to and expand its economic investments in Vietnam.