TOKYO, Dec 9 Kyodo Vietnamese For...

TOKYO, Dec 9 Kyodo

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

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

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

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

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

in succession Vietnam's seeking an FTA with Japan, Kawaguchi told Nien that Japan wants to intensify 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 even now to enter the World Trade Organization.

Among the 10-member ASEAN, Japan has conclud an FTA sole 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 prosecute a comprehensive resolution to North Korea's missile and nuclear unfolding as well as the issue of Japanese citizens the North abducted decades ago, the officials said.

Nien corresponded that Vietnam will work toward that last the officials said.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Kyodo just discovereds International, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group