A conference on promoting Japan’s investment in southeastern Dong Nai province, particularly in hi-tech industry and agriculture, was held in Bien Hoa city on July 29.

Chairman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee Dinh Quoc Thai said the province would increase the number of its industrial zones from 30 covering 9,500 ha at present, to 34 covering an area of 11,380 ha.

In addition, Dong Nai is building the 500-ha Long Thanh hi-tech industrial zone, the 2,200-ha DOFICO industrial and agricultural complex, and the 209-ha Dong Nai biotechnology application centre, he said.

According to the chairman, almost 1,000 foreign-invested businesses from 35 countries and territories have invested more than 19.4 billion USD in the province. Japan ranked third among investors in Dong Nai with 100 projects totalling 1.9 billion USD.

Dong Nai is using Japan’s ODA capital to implement the Ho Chi Minh-Long Thanh-Dau Giay highway project and the first phase of the Nhon Thach water supply system with a daily capacity of 100,000 cu.m.

Representatives from the Japanese Business Associations in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai highlighted the benefits of a transparent investment environment for foreign investors.

However, they said, the province’s electricity supply has failed to meet requirements and the current upgrade of a number of key roads affected the pace of the projects.

Provincial authorities committed to review investment policies and the environment for foreign investors.

On this occasion, the Dong Nai People’s Committee granted certificates of merit to 10 Japanese businesses, in recognition of their contributions to the province./.