(VOVworld) – Japan’s assistance has contributed a lot to Vietnam’s socio-economic development over the past 40 years.

Attendees at the Vietnam- Japan Investment Cooperation Economic Conference 2013, held Monday in Hanoi, said both countries still have potential fields for cooperation like housing and urban development. To attract greater investment in these sectors, Japan suggested Vietnam should focus more on developing industrial zones and urban areas and reconsider barriers to foreign investment such as the regulations governing purchase or lease of residential properties by foreigners.  

At the event, Japanese investors were introduced to industrial zones and major development fields in several localities.

Phung Quang Hung, Chairman of the Vinh Phuc provincial People’s Committee, said Vinh Phuc province always creates the best possible conditions for Japanese investors with priority given to planning. Hung said that provincial leaders have completed the general planning for Vinh Phuc province to become an urban area. It has been divided into 15 sub-areas, for which the planning is expected to be completed by 2014. At that time Vinh Phuc province will be ready to welcome investors not only to industry but also to services and agriculture. In services, the top priorities are tourism, healthcare, and education, which are waiting for Japanese investors.

Pulchra resort with 100% Japanese investment is on Trường Sa road, Hòa Hải ward, Ngũ Hành Sơn district, Đà Nẵng city. (Photo: baoxaydung.com.vn)

Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction, the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency jointly organized the event, which was attended by 500 delegates from both countries.