HCM City (VNA) - Ho Chi Minh City is always proud of its significant contributions to the close and dynamic cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Vo Van Hoan has said.
At a ceremony celebrating the 65th birthday of Emperor Naruhito (February 23) hosted by the Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City on February 27, Hoan said this year’s birthday celebration holds special significance as Vietnam and Japan embark on the second year of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World, a testament to the profound trust and extensive cooperation between leaders and people of both nations across various fields, from economy, trade, investment, to education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
He hailed Japan as the city's third largest investor, with nearly 1,800 projects valued at over 5.9 billion USD. The steady growth of trade between Ho Chi Minh City and Japan reflects the effectiveness and substance of their economic ties.
A standout achievement is the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien Metro Line No.1 project, strongly backed by the Japanese Government and businesses. Now in commercial operation and nearing its official inauguration, the project signifies a transformative shift in the city's urban transport infrastructure, marking a new milestone in the enduring partnership between the two nations.
As Japan strengthens its engagement with the Mekong region and advances its vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, Ho Chi Minh City is well-positioned to serve as a crucial link in regional supply and value chains, contributing to shaping a fair, stable, and sustainable regional security architecture.
Ho Chi Minh City expects to expand collaboration with Japanese partners in innovation, digital transformation, green economy, sustainable development, and people-to-people exchanges, he said, believing that the city remains committed to being a trusted destination and a leading strategic partner of Japan in Southeast Asia.
Ono Masuo, Japanese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, expressed his delight at the warm public welcome of Metro Line No. 1, a project made possible through Japan’s official development assistance.
With over 1,080 member companies in the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ho Chi Minh City (JCCH), Masuo thanked the city’s leaders and local authorities for their support to Japanese businesses. He also reaffirmed Japan’s openness to Vietnamese enterprises seeking opportunities in Japan.
As Vietnam and many other countries will attend the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai themed "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" from April 13-October 13, he hoped to welcome a large number of foreign visitors, including those from Ho Chi Minh City, offering them a chance to experience Japan’s rich culture and innovation firsthand.
The 10th Japan-Vietnam Festival is also set to take place in Ho Chi Minh City on March 8-9, he revealed./.
HCM City looks to deepen ties with Japan
The city aims to deepen cooperation with Japan in key areas such as sustainable urban development, emissions reduction, climate change adaptation, innovation, digital transformation, supply chain resilience, supporting industries, healthcare, tourism, culture, workforce development, and people-to-people exchanges.
