Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) shakes hands with Toshizo Ido, Governor of Japan's Hyogo prefecture (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnamese Government has always paid due attention to and promoted cooperation between Vietnamese localities and Japanese counterparts, including Hyogo prefecture, said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
While hosting a delegation from Hyogo prefecture led by its Governor Toshizo Ido in Hanoi on October 31, PM Phuc applauded the delegation’s visit as the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership is thriving and the two nations are celebrating the 45th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties.
In reply, Ido said that this is the third time he has visited Vietnam and he was happy to witness positive changes in the country’s infrastructure systems.
He informed the PM that during its visit, the delegation will work with many Vietnamese localities, particularly Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Nam province, in order to promote trade and investment cooperative relations.
Some 70 companies of Hyogo are investing in Vietnam, while many other small- and medium-sized enterprises from the prefecture are looking to do business in the country, he added.
Ido expressed his belief that a large number of Vietnamese currently living in Hyogo prefecture would work as a bridge to foster its cooperative ties with Vietnamese provinces and cities.
The governor said Hyogo also wants to enhance human resources cooperation with Vietnam, and voiced his hope that Vietnamese students will enrol in the upcoming international business courses in the prefecture.
PM Phuc lauded Ido’s proposals and expected that Hyogo prefecture will bolster collaboration with Vietnamese localities in the fields where it boasts strengths and Vietnam has demands.
The Vietnamese Government will create optimal conditions for Japanese businesses to invest in the country, he promised.
The PM suggested the prefecture join hands with Vietnam in personnel training and create favourable conditions for Vietnamese students to join the prefecture’s business courses.
He also asked Hyogo to increase people-to-people exchanges with Vietnamese provinces and cities to enhance mutual understanding, along with opening direct air routes to boost tourism cooperation.
Hyogo prefecture has cooperative ties with five Vietnamese localities, namely Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Long An, Can Tho and Ha Nam provinces. It is home to the sixth largest number of Vietnamese people living, studying and working in Japan.
The prefecture is known for its manufacturing industry, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, as well as heavy industries such as shipbuilding, power and machinery production, marine shipping, foodstuff, garments-textiles and jewellery.-VNA
