Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang (R) and Governor of Fukuoka Hattori Seitarom (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang gave a reception in Hanoi on January 23 for Governor of Fukuoka Hattori Seitarom, during which the host highlighted the growing relations between Vietnam and Japan as well as between Vietnam and the prefecture in particular.
The Deputy PM expressed his belief that the two countries will have substantive cooperation activities to deepen the Vietnam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world.
Quang spoke highly of the friendly cooperative ties between Hanoi and Fukuoka over the past decade. He appreciated Fukuoka's goodwill in supporting Hanoi in addressing health and environment issues, thereby enriching the contents of their cooperation.
He suggested that the Fukuoka authorities encourage more local firms to invest and do business in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi. The focus should be on sectors where Fukuoka excels and Vietnam has demand, such as strategic infrastructure, digital transformation, green transition, smart agriculture, wastewater treatment, and high technology.
Deputy PM Quang proposed creating more favourable conditions for the over 20,000-strong Vietnamese community living and studying in Fukuoka.
Governor Hattori Seitaro, in response, said his visit coincides with the 15th anniversary of the friendly cooperative relations between Hanoi and Fukuoka.
He noted that 34 businesses hailing from Fukuoka are investing and operating in Vietnam, and the figure will increase in the future. Additionally, there is a noticeable surge in the number of foreigners opting to reside and pursue education in Fukuoka, and among them, the Vietnamese community stands as the most sizable.
The Govenor wished to continue enhancing economic, cultural and educational collaboration and people-to-people exchanges with Vietnam, and Hanoi in particular. He hoped for the Vietnamese Government's support in the launch of a direct flight service connecting Fukuoka and Vietnam.
Fukuoka is ready to share its experience and assist Hanoi in addressing environmental issues during the development process, he said.
Earlier, the Governor held talks with the Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee and signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the municipal and Fukuoka authorities for the 2024-2028 period./.
