Binh Duong (VNA) - A ceremony was held in the southern province of Binh Duong on December 18 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its friendship and cooperative ties with Japan’s Yamaguchi prefecture (December 25).
Following the establishment of Vietnam-Japan cooperative ties in 1973, Japan has emerged as a strategic partner of Vietnam, pouring nearly 78 billion USD into the country and securing its position as the third largest investor among 149 countries and territories. Binh Duong, the dynamic industrial hub in southern Vietnam, has been a magnet for Japanese investment, attracting substantial attention and capital.
Over the past decade, the two localities have achieved proud accomplishments in economy, education, culture, and people-to-people exchange.
Japan stands as the second largest investor in Binh Duong, with 357 projects valued at nearly 6 billion USD. Regular trade promotion activities have opened doors for enterprises, fostering a thriving business environment.
In the realm of education and research, Binh Duong’s Eastern International University (EIU) has formed a robust partnership with Yamaguchi University, facilitating academic exchanges and scientific research. Technical trainee programmes have sent Binh Duong’s youths to Yamaguchi, cultivating a skilled workforce ready to meet demands.
Cultural exchange has also been a spotlight in cooperation between the two localities. Events such as the Japanese Cultural Festival in Binh Duong and the Vietnam-Japan U13 International Youth Cup have not only deepened mutual understanding but also strengthened friendship between their people.
Regular high-level visits between their leaders have further cemented this foundation, ensuring a strong and enduring bilateral relationship.
On the occasion, the two localities signed a Memorandum of Understanding to bolster friendly cooperation, along with a working agreement on personnel exchange, paving the way for expanded collaboration in sci-tech, hi-tech agriculture, education, healthcare, quality workforce development, sport and cultural exchanges.
Looking ahead, Binh Duong is committed to investing heavily in infrastructure, with key transport projects such as Ring Roads 3 and 4 and a metro system.
Ranked second nationwide in FDI attraction, Binh Duong is home to over 4,400 projects worth over 42.4 billion USD from 65 countries and territories. Despite challenges posed by the global economic downturn in 2024, it achieved an export turnover of 34.5 billion USD, a trade surplus of 10 billion USD, and an impressive industrial growth rate of 7.6%./.
