Hanoi (VNA) – PrimeMinister Nguyen Xuan Phuc suggested Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) furtherexpand its investment in Vietnam during a reception in Hanoi on November 22 forPresident of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) and SMBC President KoichiMiyata.

As Vietnam continues its pathtowards strong growth, PM Phuc hoped that SMBC will actively join in the country’srestructuring of its banking system.

He proposed that SMFG and SMBC upholdtheir roles as bridges, connecting and promoting Japanese investment in Vietnam,thereby strengthening the bilateral comprehensive partnership.

The Vietnamese Government willcontinue to listen to feedback and remove obstacles facing Japanese investors,he said, adding that he hopes Japan will become the largest foreign investor inthe country.

Lauding SMBC-funded projects inVietnam as important and large-scale, PM Phuc wished that SMBC would increase itscredit to Vietnamese and Japanese partners.

The leader affirmed that Vietnamwill increase its economic scale, while keeping inflation and credit for realestate and securities under control, thus creating a stable businessenvironment for investors.

He expected that SMBC wouldcontinue reaping successes in Vietnam in the near future.

Miyata, for his part, said SMBCwill expand the supply of preferential loans to Vietnam, especially ininfrastructure.

He said SMBC wants to receivefurther support from the Vietnamese Government, ministries, and agencies,adding that it will carry on standing side-by-side with Vietnam during itsdevelopment process.

Miyata took this occasion tothanked the Vietnamese Government, ministries and sectors, especially the StateBank of Vietnam, for creating optimal conditions for SMBC to operate smoothlyin the country.–VNA