Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held meetings with the General Director of Zarubezhneft (Russian Federation) and the CEO of Mitsui & Co. (Japan) on November 27.
At the reception for Zarubezhneft General Director Sergei Kudryashov, PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always considers oil and gas cooperation with the Russian Federation a key pillar of the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He noted that the traditional and trustworthy cooperation between the Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam) and Zarubezhneft plays an important role in this relationship.
The PM suggested that Petrovietnam and Zarubezhneft continue discussions to find measures to further enhance the operations of their joint ventures. He urged them to timely resolve any obstacles arising during cooperation in a constructive and friendly spirit, ensuring the benefits of both sides.
Mr. Sergei Kudryashov stated that alongside oil and gas cooperation with Vietnam, specifically with Petrovietnam, Zarubezhneft wishes to expand collaboration into other sectors such as energy and minerals. Notably, the company expressed a strong desire to build an energy center in Vietnam.
The Government leader requested Zarubezhneft to continue paying attention to and creating favorable conditions for the operations of Rusvietpetro in Russia. He suggested expanding its operating area to include new oil and gas fields and potential blocks near the Nenetsky area to maximize existing infrastructure, technology, and personnel, while improving logistics, tax, and fee conditions where necessary.
Additionally, he called for promoting cooperation in liquefied natural gas (LNG), LNG supply chains, and LNG terminals; transferring technology for exploiting depleted fields, deep drilling, and complex drilling operations; and considering cooperation in renewable energy, hydrogen, and new materials. In particular, he suggested that both sides study cooperative investment and the deployment of oil and gas services in third countries.
During the reception for Mr. Hori Kenichi, President and CEO of Mitsui & Co., PM Chinh emphasized that there is still vast potential for economic cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.
With a vision for century-long cooperation, he requested that Mitsui & Co. and Mr. Hori Kenichi continue to pay attention to promoting collaboration between the Group and Vietnamese enterprises. He urged for the acceleration of the Block B gas project to bring it into operation soon, as well as the expansion of markets and operations to improve efficiency in the energy sector (including wind power, solar power, oil and gas exploitation, and methane hydrate) and power source development.
Additionally, the Vietnamese Government leader encouraged the Group to boost cooperation in fisheries and trade; establish a research and development (R&D) center for fisheries and energy; and facilitate technology transfer and human resource training.
PM Chinh welcomed Mitsui's plan to continue promoting the export of value-added goods from Vietnam to the international market. He noted that this orientation aligns with Vietnam's goals of improving growth quality and increasing the processing and technological content within its export structure.
At the meeting, Mr. Hori Kenichi assessed that Vietnam is developing rapidly and strongly with a long-term vision. He stated that Mitsui is committed to long-term cooperation and investment, and wishes to continue contributing to the national development vision, particularly in Vietnam's energy sector.
He presented the Group’s business expansion and investment plans in energy and projects related to carbon emission reduction.
He also outlined plans to export value-added Vietnamese products—specifically in agriculture and fisheries, such as shrimp, wood pellets, and food—promote the circular economy, and foster technology consulting transfer, training, and the development of a scientific and technological workforce.
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