More than 200 representatives from Japanese enterprises and research agencies were provided with information about the investment environment of Ho Chi Minh City at a seminar held in Tokyo on Oct. 13.

The seminar, jointly held by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), was also attended by representatives from HCM City branches and businesses, JETRO and Japan Bank International Cooperation (JBIC).

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Nguyen Phu Binh said relations between Vietnam and Japan are developing fruitfully, noting that Japan has greatly contributed to Vietnam ’s economic development through official development assistance (ODA) and cooperation in economics, trade and investment.

HCM City is seen as a major political, economic and cultural centre, and a leading economic hub of Vietnam , with many favourable conditions in attracting foreign investors, including those from Japan , the ambassador said.

Secretary of the HCM City Party Committee Le Thanh Hai introduced HCM City ’s geographical features, population, workforce, infrastructure and incentives for foreign investors.

He called on Japanese businesses to invest in areas such as high tech, supporting industries, information technology, software, environment, infrastructure and personnel training.

JETRO President Yokoo Hidehiro expressed his hope to continue cooperation with Vietnamese competent agencies and HCM City to support Japanese businesses in the country, contributing to boosting economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Delegates at the seminar witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the HCM City Cooperative Alliance and the Business Association in Kawasaki city of Japan .

On the occasion, HCM City granted investment licences to a number of Japanese groups and companies./.