Japanese businesses vow to expand operations in Viet Nam President Truong Tan Sang of Viet Nam yesterday (March 17) told the Chairman of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Hiroyuki Ishige, he was delighted at a survey that showed up to 70 per cent of Japanese businesses in Viet Nam planned to expand their operations.   President Truong Tan Sang, who is in Japan on a State visit, and Japanese Emperor Akihito at the welcoming ceremony held yesterday in Tokyo.  Sang, who is in Japan on a State visit, added that he hoped two-way trade between Viet Nam and Japan would hit US$50 billion before 2020. The same day, at a meeting with Japanese Emperor Akihito in Tokyo, the Vietnamese leader said that Viet Nam gave top priority to ties with Japan. Sang praised the country for its long culture, hardworking and creative people and outstanding economic growth. Emperor Akihito said he appreciated Viet Nam's thoughts and support in past years, especially after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disasters. The two leaders said the 40th anniversary of Viet Nam-Japan diplomatic ties last year accelerated bilateral ties. Sang invited the Emperor, his wife and members of the Japanese royal family to visit Viet Nam. The invitation was accepted. Sang told Japanese business leaders that Viet Nam would continue to create the best possible conditions for foreign investors, including those from Japan. At a meeting with the Vice-chairman of the Japan Business Federation, Masahiro Sakane, Sang spoke highly of the federation's role in enhancing economic, trade and investment ties. He said the framework established by the federation, such as the Viet Nam-Japan Joint Initiative, had helped build a more attractive investment climate in Viet Nam. The President attended a seminar with leaders of Japan's largest groups organised by the business federation which discussed Viet Nam's economic situation and orientations. He asked Japanese firms for more help with education and training to create high-quality human resources. Representatives of Japanese groups spoke up about boosting trade and investment between the two countries, especially to help Viet Nam achieve sustainable development and its industrialisation goals by 2020. At a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Sumitomo Corporation, Kuniharu Nakamura, the Vietnamese leader said he valued the corporation's support for Viet Nam in education, including its provision of more than 2,000 scholarships since 1996. Longstanding relations Also yesterday at a Viet Nam–Japan business forum, Sang said he appreciated how Japanese firms bolstered ties. He added that Viet Nam considered the success of Japanese businesses as its own. Participants said that Viet Nam–Japan ties had thrived since the strategic partnership was established in 2009. Japan is now the major investor, the biggest supplier of official development assistance and the fourth largest trade partner of Viet Nam. Sang witnessed the signing of an agreement on co-operation between chambers of commerce in the two nations. He also presented the Chief Justice of the Japanese Supreme Court, Takesaki Hironobu, with a Friendship Order. Hironobu noted that the Supreme Court of Japan would contribute more to Vietnamese and Japanese ties, especially in judicial reform. At a reception for the Governor of Aichi prefecture, Hideaki Omura, the Vietnamese leader said he hoped that Aichi would welcome more Vietnamese students and graduates. It is currently home to the largest number of Vietnamese students from within the ASEAN region. Omura said that the two sides should build on their strength. This included establishing a direct air route from Aichi to Viet Nam. Also the same day, Sang greeted former Acting President of the Democratic Party, Yoshito Sengoku, and former Senator Matsuda Iwao. Sang said a similarity of cultures and long-standing relations had created a strong foundation for their people. Meeting with the President of the Nikkei Group, Tsuneo Kita, Sang hailed the news agency for promoting bilateral co-operation. Kita said as Japan's leading media group, Nikkei would continue providing helpful and timely information about Viet Nam's business climate for Japanese enterprises. VNS