Da Nang (VNA) - Japan stands as one of Da Nang’s top strategic partners in its push for global integration, especially in smart city development, hi-tech industries, semiconductors, sustainable tourism, education-training, quality health care, and workforce development, said Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi.
Addressing the Meet Japan event in the central city on July 4, Thi highlighted Da Nang’s transformation following recent administrative reforms under a new two-tier government model, making it Vietnam’s largest centrally-run city by area.
As Da Nang enters a new phase of development, it is pushing for teamwork with Japan in innovation, responsible investment, advanced technology transfer, and workforce development, which are pivotal to reshaping local growth model and building a green, modern, smart, and livable city, she said, eyeing the city as a dynamic and highly competitive hub in the Asia-Pacific.
Da Nang has forged partnerships with more than 22 Japanese localities, and Japan remains its top foreign investor, with 1.14 billion USD committed across 261 projects. In the Da Nang Hi-Tech Park and industrial zones, Japan leads foreign direct investment with 49 projects valued at nearly 696 million USD. Tourism is another bright spot, with Japanese arrivals in 2024 nearly tripling last year to 179,200 visitors.
Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki praised Da Nang’s appeal to Japanese firms, citing its strategic position along the East-West Economic Corridor, which connects directly with Laos and the Mekong sub-region, as well as synchronous transport infrastructure, including deep-water ports and an international airport.
The recently established Da Nang Free Trade Zone, he said, is expected to further lure Japanese capital, driving the city’s economic prospects.
Discussions at the event zeroed in on deepening collaboration, with a focus on drawing Japanese investment, boosting innovation and entrepreneurship, sci-tech, local partnerships, and tourism exchanges./.
