Attending the event were Huynh Thanh Nhan, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Viet Nam - Japan Friendship Association, and Ono Masuo, Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City.
Huynh Thanh Nhan reviewed the development of Viet Nam-Japan relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973. After many years, the relationship between the two countries has been upgraded to the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world. This is a testament to the trust and extensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Japan in many fields.
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| Huynh Thanh Nhan, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council and Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Viet Nam - Japan Friendship Association, sent birthday wishes to Emperor Naruhito (Photo: Cong Ly) |
In HCMC alone, Japan is currently the third largest investor with a total investment capital of more than 8.5 billion USD by the end of 2024. In 2024, Japan will be the second largest investor with 103 projects worth 87.5 million USD. The main areas of cooperation include infrastructure, high technology, AI, real estate, renewable energy, and human resource training.
In addition to economic cooperation, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have also been taking place vigorously. Huynh Thanh Nhan said in the past year, the Association has coordinated with the Consulate General of Japan to organize many big events, including The 9th Viet Nam - Japan Festival, which attracted 428,000 visitors, with performances of Ao Dai, Yosakoi dance, and tea ceremony. Exchanges with former war correspondent Ishikawa Bunyo helped the younger generation understand more about war and the value of peace. Business exchanges, Japanese martial arts performances, and support for delegations from Nagasaki Prefecture and Kobe City affirmed the Association's role as a bridge in promoting multi-disciplinary cooperation.
On the occasion of Emperor Naruhito’s birthday, the delegates once again affirmed their determination to continue fostering friendly relations between Viet Nam and Japan, opening up many opportunities for cooperation in strategic fields.
Ono Masuo, Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, highly appreciated the practical activities of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations and the Ho Chi Minh City Viet Nam - Japan Friendship Association to strengthen the friendship between the people of the two countries over the past years. He expressed his hope that the friendship will continue to develop sustainably, overcome all challenges, and reach far in the international arena.
Besides, he also expected the newly established branches of the Ho Chi Minh City Viet Nam - Japan Friendship Association will contribute to expanding and strengthening the friendship foundation between Japan and HCMC.
Source: VNA
