On May 19, 2023, Hanoi witnessed a special ceremony to mark the 10-year strategic partnership between VietinBank and MUFG Bank. This rituality stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between the two prestigious banking institutions of Vietnam and Japan, and reflects their unwavering determination to scale even greater heights in the future.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Mr. Nguyen Minh Vu, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Pham Thanh Ha, Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV); Mr. Yamada Takio, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam; and representatives from government agencies of Vietnam and Japan, senior officials of the two banks, and valued partners and clients.

MUFG Bank was represented by Mr. Junichi Hanzawa, CEO of MUFG Bank, and other members of the bank's leadership team, including the Head of Global Corporate Banking, the Head of Global Corporate Planning, and the General Director of MUFG Bank Vietnam.

VietinBank's delegation was led by Mr. Tran Minh Binh, Chairman of the Board of Directors (BOD), and other members of the BOD and the Executive Committee.

The ceremony was also honored by the presence of Mr. Pham Huy Hung, former Chairman of VietinBank's BOD, who played a pivotal role in initiating the strategic partnership between VietinBank and MUFG in 2013.

Chairman of VietinBank's BOD Tran Minh Binh and CEO of MUFG Bank Junichi Hanzawa beat the drum to commence the ceremony

In his opening remarks, Mr. Tran Minh Binh, Chairman of VietinBank's BOD, highlighted the remarkable journey of the 10-year partnership between VietinBank and MUFG Bank. He emphasized that their collaboration has not been limited to the initial agreed-upon areas but has expanded to encompass various fields, including MUFG Bank's partner banks and VietinBank's ecosystem subsidiaries.

Chairman Binh stressed that the VietinBank - MUFG Bank alliance has played a vital role in supporting and connecting the business community. Since 2013, the two banks have jointly organized dialogues between the Prime Minister of Vietnam and major Japanese corporations, as well as business networking conferences, creating numerous cooperation opportunities for enterprises from both countries. Along with their presence in Germany, Laos, and Myanmar, the success of the strategic partnership with MUFG Bank over the past decade has further affirmed and enhanced VietinBank's competitiveness and ability to integrate into the global market.

The VietinBank - MUFG strategic partnership promises to reach new heights

Beyond business collaboration, VietinBank and MUFG Bank, driven by their sense of social responsibility, have engaged in meaningful social welfare activities. These include funding the construction of schools in Dong Thap and Hung Yen provinces, supporting Vietnamese students in Japan facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and providing assistance to child care facilities in Hanoi, with a total sponsorship of over 32 billion VND.

The achievements mentioned above are a testament to the tireless efforts of both banks in overcoming cultural, linguistic, and geographical barriers, as well as the challenges posed by the pandemic and the unpredictable global economic landscape. They reflect the banks' long-term commitment to sustainable cooperation.

Chairman of VietinBank's BOD Tran Minh Binh delivers the opening speech

Chairman Binh expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government, SBV, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, and other relevant agencies, departments, partners, and clients for their trust and support of VietinBank and MUFG Bank.

“Looking ahead, I am confident that the two banks will continue to develop effective collaboration initiatives, contributing to the promotion of economic and trade cooperation between our two countries, especially in the context of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (1973 - 2023),” emphasized Chairman Binh.

Mr. Junichi Hanzawa, CEO of MUFG Bank, shares his insights at the ceremony

In his speech at the ceremony, Mr. Junichi Hanzawa, CEO of MUFG Bank, stated that Vietnam is among the top countries that Japanese companies are keen to invest in, cooperate with, and do business in. Since partnering with VietinBank, MUFG Bank has leveraged VietinBank's strengths to expand its operations in areas such as correspondent banking, M&A, and corporate networking, achieving remarkable results.

CEO Hanzawa expressed his belief that the strategic partnership between VietinBank and MUFG will continue to be strengthened and reach new heights in the years to come.

A special art performance graces the event

Speaking at the event, Mr. Pham Thanh Ha, Deputy Governor of SBV, noted that Japan has been a close friend, an important partner, and a leading provider of ODA to Vietnam for many decades. Japanese businesses in general and Japanese banks in particular have shown increasing interest in the Vietnamese market, making significant contributions to Vietnam's socio-economic development.

Deputy Governor Ha acknowledged the contributions of MUFG Bank to the development of VietinBank and Vietnam's banking sector through its close partnership with VietinBank over the past decade. He extended his best wishes for the continued success and growth of the strategic partnership between VietinBank and MUFG Bank.

Leaders of VietinBank and MUFG pose for a 記念写真

Also speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Yamada Takio, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam, shared that 2023 marks a special year as Vietnam and Japan celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In this context, the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between VietinBank and MUFG stands as a testament to the successful cooperation and harmonious collaboration between the two banks representing Vietnam and Japan.

Ambassador Takio extended his heartfelt congratulations to VietinBank and MUFG Bank. He expressed his hope that the strong relationship between the two banks, the Vietnamese and Japanese business communities, and the two nations of Vietnam and Japan will continue to grow and reach even greater heights.

The year 2023 marks a significant milestone in the 10-year strategic partnership between VietinBank and Japan.

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