Phong told his guests that HCM City is one of the Vietnamese localities that attract Japanese investors’ interest. It is aware that foreign investors’ success will contribute to local socio-economic development, and that the success of both domestic and foreign firms are also the success of the city.

He affirmed that HCM City wants Japanese investors to continue doing business here, capitalise on its potential and advantages, and combine them with Japanese companies’ advanced technology and proper business strategies to benefit both sides.

The official also appreciated JETRO’s HCM City office’s role in supporting cooperation between HCM City and Japanese businesses. He expressed his hope that through JETRO, companies from Japan will take part in projects in smart city building and other fields in his city.

Vice Executive President of JETRO Yasukazu Irino highly valued HCM City’s attractiveness to foreign investors, including those from Japan. The rapidly increasing number of members of the Japan Business Association in HCM City demonstrates the city’s success in improving the investment climate.

He thanked the municipal authorities for creating favourable conditions for Japanese enterprises to seek market, promote trade, and get investment licences. He asked the city’s leaders for more optimal conditions for Japanese firms, especially small- and medium-sized companies working in support industries.

Japan now has 1,116 investment projects worth nearly US$4 billion in HCM City, ranking sixth among 93 countries and territories investing here.