Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai (R) and Takebe Tsutomu, Special Advisor to the Japan - Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, at the meeting on February 23 (Photo: VNA) The host appreciated hisguest’s efforts and enthusiasm in coordinating with the city to prepare for thecoming festival, scheduled to open on February 25, and said he believes theevent will be successful to become a demonstration ofbilateral friendship and help promote cultural exchanges between the two countries.
In particular, via a meeting withJapanese enterprises at the festival, leaders of HCM City hope to learn about thefirms’ investment and cooperation intentions and update them with localdevelopment orientations so that the two sides can fully tap into cooperationpotential and opportunities, Mai went on.
For his part, Takebe Tsutomu said thanksto thorough preparations, the festival will help spread the countries’ cultureof peace and friendship to the world and strengthen bilateral cooperation onthe basis of mutual respect and assistance.
He highlighted the importance oflocality-to-locality and people-to-people ties to the Vietnam - Japan relations,noting that he hopes each people will bring into play their role so as tocontribute to the development of the two countries, ASEAN, and the world atlarge.
The eighth Vietnam - Japan Festival isthe first cultural exchange in 2023 and part of the activities in celebration ofthe 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, continuing toaffirm the countries’ extensive strategic partnership and promote bilateraltrade, investment, tourism, friendship, and mutual understanding, according tothe HCM City Department of External Relations.
The festival will feature a largenumber of cultural activities and 150 booths of trade, cuisine, and tourismexhibition. The opening ceremony will be held onFebruary 25 morning./.
VNA
