Japanese businesses have suggested the southern province of Binh Duong to further improve its investment environment so as to attract more foreign investors.

At a meeting with provincial leaders on October 3, representatives of Japanese companies operating in Binh Duong said they are pleased with the province’s stable political and security situation which has created favourable conditions for their operations.

However, they noted that the province should have tax incentives in priority areas such as hi-tech in order to lure investment to industrial zones.

Binh Duong needs to work out roadmaps on environmental protection and publicise them so that businesses can take the initiative in changing technologies, they said.

Japanese businesses also raised concerns about a serious shortage of labour force while more and more projects in industrial zones are getting underway.

They also proposed that the adjustment of the minimum salary be applied on January 1 every year, creating fabourable conditions for businesses to make yearly business plans as well as plans to increase salary for workers.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Thanh Cung spoke highly of Japanese businesses’ recommendations, affirming that the province will consider all to better its investment environment.

According to the provincial Department of Planning and Investment, Binh Duong has so far attracted 167 projects from Japanese investors with a total investment of over 3.1 billion USD./.