A forum on investment in industrial zones and coastal economic zones with focus on the supporting industry took place in Japan on Sept. 13.

The forum is part of the Vietnam-Japan Meeting 2012 which is taking place in Tokyo and Fukuoka city from September 13-18.

In opening the forum, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Doan Xuan Hung affirmed that the Vietnam-Japan relationship has seen fine developments in various fields, ranging from politics and diplomacy to trade and tourism.

Vietnam is drafting its industrial development strategy in cooperation with Japan , which, when completed, will open up more opportunities for bilateral investment and economic cooperation, said the Vietnamese diplomat.

He called on Japanese investors to pour more investment in Vietnam .

At the forum, representatives from the northern port city of Hai Phong and the coastal provinces of Thua Thien-Hue, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen and Ba Ria-Vung Tau introduced their strengths and potentials for investment.

Officials from Vietnam ’s Ministries of Planning and Investment, and Industry and Trade presented the nation’s policies and orientations for the development of its supporting industry.

Japan is always one of Vietnam ’s leading investors. By July 2012, Japan had more than 1,700 investment projects in Vietnam totalling 28 billion USD.

Managing Director and Head of the Planning Department of the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) Yasuyuki Kawasaki said SMBC helps to organise the forum with a view to collecting information and seeking partners for Japanese investors.

Vietnam still maintains a relatively high economic growth and remains an attractive destination for Japanese investors in the context of the global economy facing many difficulties, he added.

General Director of the Hanoi branch of SMBC Noriyuki Watanabe spoke of prospects for the supporting industry in Vietnam.-VNA