Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed thanks to Ho Chi Minh City authorities for their support to active Japanese investors, adding that the southern city is an economic frontrunner of Vietnam.

In the October 9 meeting with Secretary of the HCM City Party Committee Le Thanh Hai in Tokyo, Abe lauded a series of farming deals that were reached during the visit by President Truong Tan Sang early this year.

He noted his appreciation for Vietnam which he said, was chosen for his overseas trip shortly after assuming the office in late 2012.

The PM also concurred with his guest about the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law for the sake of maritime security.

Hai told Abe that his visit was to acquire Japanese know-how across hi-tech industry and agriculture, biotechnology and call for investment in support industry and personnel training in these sectors.

The delegation witnessed the signing of eight memoranda of understanding by HCM City firms and Japanese partners, Hai informed his host with delight.

During a courtesy call to Vice President of Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Koichi Yajima the same day, Hai suggested JBIC grow its support beyond Vietnamese infrastructure to cover economic restructuring and environment.

The Secretary also sought Japanese further assistance in climate change response and adaptation, and the city’s project to generate power from burning rubbish while meeting with Minister of Environment Mochizuki Yoshio.

In a conversation with Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Yasuhisa Shiozaki, Hai proposed stepping up the construction of the Vietnam – Japan friendship hospital, and appealed for Japan’s transfer of medical technology to Vietnam, and its expertise in health care policy, labour and welfare.

Earlier, the Vietnamese delegation attended a seminar co-hosted by the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) and the Ho Chi Minh City Centre for Trade and Investment Promotion, with Japanese enterprises as members of the Vietnam – Japan Economic Committee taking part.

After an overview of the city’s economic and investment climate presented by Deputy Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem, Hai promised attendees that the city will offer all possible help to investors, especially those active in infrastructure, support industry, high technology, human resources and environment protection.

Such big names as ANA, Sojitsu, Marubeni and Hitachi showed their strong interest in the southern city.

Hai’s five-day visit lasts on October 10.-VNA