PM Pham Minh Chinh (R) and visiting Governor of Japan’s Kagoshima prefecture Shiota Koichi in Hanoi on July 10, 2023. (Photo: VNA)

Japan has remained a leading important economic partner, the biggest ODA provider, the third biggest investor and tourism partner and the fourth trading partner of Vietnam, Mr. Chinh said.

Speaking highly of Kagoshima’s supportive policies and favourable conditions created for the community of over 5,000 Vietnamese expatriates, the PM expressed his belief that there are ample complementary strengths and potential for collaboration between Kagoshima – Japan’s leading locality in agro-fishery production – and many localities of Vietnam.

He proposed the governor encourage local businesses to invest more in Vietnam, particularly in areas where the prefecture has strengths such as automobiles, semiconductor electronics, agriculture, agricultural product processing, and supporting industries. He suggested Kagoshima expand cooperation to such areas as culture, tourism, cuisine, and form cooperative ties with more provinces and cities of Vietnam.

Governor Shiota stated that the prefecture wants to further cooperate with Vietnam in manufacturing, agriculture, seafood processing, tourism, and the exchange of students and apprentices. He also expressed his wish to establish a direct flight route from Kagoshima to Vietnam.

During his working visit to Vietnam, the Governor is scheduled to visit the northern province of Hai Duong, sign a memorandum of understanding with the Vietnam National University of Agriculture, and hold meetings with some major Japanese businesses operating in Vietnam such as Aeon Mall and Akuruhi.