The first Japanese-language eloquence contest was held in the northern port city of Hai Phong on October 12 as part of activities to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Japan (1973-2013).

Twelve most outstanding candidates from the city’s universities and joint venture companies took part in the contest, which focused on bilateral ties as well as the work and daily lives of Vietnamese expats in Japan .

Organised by the municipal People’s Committee and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the event aims to give local youngsters an insight of the Japanese culture and people, thus developing bilateral relations.-VNA