Vietnam and Japan have cooperated in seeking measures to implement an inter-governmental project on developing eco-cities in Vietnam, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi has said.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) recently signed between the Ministry of Construction and Japan ’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism lays a foundation for both sides to accelerate the next steps of the project, he said, adding this is among activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties.

The MoU identifies the project’s short, medium and long-term targets, cooperation methods and obligations of each side in providing information and technical assistance in building standards for eco-cities in Vietnam , he said.

According to Nghi, the two sides also discussed the feasibility of the project in selected locations in four localities namely Hanoi, Vinh Phuc, Binh Duong and Ho Chi Minh City.

They are scheduled to establish a joint working group in charge of the implementation of the project in 2014, he added.-VNA