Thang, who is visiting Japan, made the suggestion at a conference to promote economic cooperation between the two localities on April 12.

He said Ho Chi M inhCity wishes to promote industrial production, high technology, seaport service and high-tech agriculture, which are strengths of Hyogo.

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 At the conference

However, he noted that Hyogo has only 22 businesses operating in Ho Chi Minh City, expressing his desire for more firms from the Japanese locality to invest in the city.

Ho Chi Minh City authorities pledge to create favorable conditions for foreign enterprises, including those Hyogo to operate in the city, he stated.

For his part, Governor of Hyogo prefecture Toshizo Ido said Vietnam is an attractive destination for investors thanks to the country’s young workforce, stable politics and safety.

According to Ido, about 1,500 Japanese firms are operating in Vietnam.

Economic, tourism and culture exchange helped promote the friendship between Ho Chi Minh City and Hyogo, he said, adding that the conference contributes to enhancing relations between the two localities and their enterprises.

At the conference, participants were updated on Ho Chi Minh City’s economic development and policies to encourage investment and promote support industry and projects that the city is calling for investment in.

According to Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Planning and Investment Tran Thi Binh Minh, Ho Chi Minh City authorities have taken measures to boost administrative reform and developed infrastructure to attract more investors.

The city is developing a 13ha industrial zone to serve Japanese businesses, she said.

During their meeting earlier the same day, Vietnamese and Japanese officials highlighted great potential for the two localities to cooperate in industry and seaport development.

They hoped more economic and investment promotion activities between the two sides will be organized.

Secretary Thang called on Toshizo Ido, who is also Chairman of the Union of Kansai Governments, to promote links not only between the two localities, but also between Vietnam’s southeast key economic area and the Kansai region.

Japan ranks fourth in term of total new registered-investment in Ho Chi Minh City with 1,001 projects worth USD 3.54 billion. Japanese investors mainly operate in processing and manufacturing industry, retail service, and science and technology-related sectors.

Source: VNA