Singapore: The Vietnamese Ministry of health recently inked a pact with Japan's medical universities in Kansai region and the Japan Association for International Health, with a view to strengthen their healthcare systems by sharing experience and expertise and building joint research programs.

As per the MoU, the two countries will work together to develop new medical interventions for communicable and non-communicable diseases; introduce advanced medical equipment; apply information technology; and bridge the two countries' hospitals, institutes, and universities.

Mr Le Quang Cuong, deputy minister of health, Vietnam, said, "Japan is one of Vietnam's largest bilateral official development assistance (ODA) providers with a number of ODA-funded, effectively implemented healthcare projects."

He expressed hope that with the newly formalized document, bilateral medical cooperation will become more practical and effective. The Japanese officials see the signing of the deal as an important step towards expanding the medical collaboration between the two countries.