Southern Vietnam province Long An strengthens investment, trade cooperation with Japan

The Mekong Delta province of Long An is committed to creating favorable conditions, improving the investment environment, simplifying administrative procedures, and expanding incentive policies to attract industrial, commercial, and high-tech projects.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Van Ut made the statement at a trade and investment promotion forum held in Tokyo on Monday, part of a Long An delegation's working trip to Japan.

The official said Long An seeks to strengthen comprehensive cooperation with Japanese partners in smart city and e-government building, human resources building, labor market expansion, and official development assistance (ODA) projects funded with non-refundable aid and preferential loans from the Japanese Government in key areas such as public administration, water resources management, health care, education and training, transport, and urban infrastructure.

He emphasized that the event provided a valuable opportunity for provincial leaders and Japanese businesses to meet, exchange ideas, and enhance collaboration in various fields.

Ut highlighted that Vietnam and Japan have long enjoyed deep partnerships spanning multiple sectors, including economy, trade, investment, cultural exchange, education, and science-technology. Building on this strong foundation, Long An prioritizes reinforcing connections with Japanese localities, particularly Hyogo, Ibaraki, Wakayama, Nakagawa, and Okayama city.

Notably, bilateral economic cooperation has seen significant progress. Japanese investors have poured over $1.2 billion into 162 projects in Long An, the chairman noted, affirming that the contributions by Japanese enterprises play a crucial role in the province’s socio-economic development.

Japanese businesses' continued expanion of operations and increased investments demonstrate their confidence in the local business environment, he noted.

Katsuhiko Usui, general director of Sapporo Vietnam, shared that Sapporo chose to invest in Long An due to the strong support and guidance from local authorities. He praised the province’s streamlined administrative procedures, swift licensing process, and effective resolution of business challenges. He also highlighted Long An’s ongoing support, especially during the challenging Covid-19 period.

Additionally, he noted that Long An’s strategic location near seaports and its well-developed transport system contribute to efficient goods transportation.

During the discussion, Long An leaders and Japanese businesses exchanged insights into potential cooperation opportunities.

The event concluded with the signing of memoranda of understanding (MOU) between businesses as well as between the province and enterprises, marking a significant step in investment cooperation between Long An and its Japanese partners.

The same day, the Long An delegation met with Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu. During the meeting, Ut asked the embassy to help Long An enhance links with Japanese localities and enterprises.

Ambassador Hieu praised Long An’s achievements in attracting investment from Japan and affirmed that the embassy will continue promoting the province as an attractive investment destination for Japanese businesses.