Strengthening Long-Standing Vietnam-Japan Friendship

At the meeting, Mr. Do Thanh Binh, Secretary of the Can Tho City Party Committee, expressed his pleasure at Ambassador Ito Naoki's visit and emphasized the importance of Vietnam and Japan's long-standing friendship and cooperation. As both nations work to strengthen and enhance their bilateral ties, localities in Vietnam, including Can Tho, have consistently promoted and developed exchanges in various fields, such as the economy, culture, education, and technology.

Mr. Do Thanh Binh highlighted that Japan is regarded as a strategic and reliable partner of Vietnam and Can Tho in particular. Through bilateral programs, projects, and cooperation, Japan has significantly contributed to supporting ODA funding, technology transfer, and providing access to advanced training programs for local human resources. Many Japanese projects in Can Tho have played a key role in infrastructure development and improving social quality in the Mekong Delta's central city.

Expectations for the AeonMall Can Tho Project

Can Tho city leader underscored particular interest in the AeonMall Can Tho project, envisioned as a modern complex catering to the entertainment and shopping needs of residents in Can Tho and surrounding provinces within the Mekong Delta. The prompt implementation of AeonMall would mark a significant milestone, affirming Can Tho’s potential as an attractive destination for Japanese investors and businesses.

The official assured that Can Tho highly values its partnership with Japan and is committed to providing favorable administrative procedures, infrastructure, and preferential policies to ensure sustainable business development for Japanese enterprises in the locality.

Mr. Do Thanh Binh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Can Tho City Party Committee (right cover), Mr. Duong Tan Hien, member of the Standing Committee of Can Tho City Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Can Tho City People's Committee (left cover) presented gifts to Mr. Ito Naoki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam, and his wife.

Japanese Ambassador Applauds Investment Potential

Ambassador Ito Naoki expressed his heartfelt thanks to Can Tho’s leaders for their warm reception. He also expressed admiration for the city’s remarkable development potential, particularly as the “capital” of the Mekong Delta, a region renowned for its agricultural strength, river tourism, logistics, and agro-aquatic product processing and export.

According to Ambassador Ito Naoki, Japan and Can Tho have made significant progress in cooperation across multiple fields, including foreign investment, trade, education, science and technology, and cultural exchange. With the city’s efforts to improve the investment environment, upgrade transportation infrastructure, and streamline policies, Can Tho has increasingly attracted foreign investors, including Japanese corporations and enterprises.

The Ambassador affirmed that the Japanese Embassy would continue to serve as a proactive “bridge” to support Vietnamese localities, particularly Can Tho, in promoting cooperation in economy, trade, tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchange. He expressed confidence that the robust diplomatic ties between the two nations, as well as partnerships between Japanese localities and Can Tho, would grow stronger, delivering practical benefits to residents and the business community.

Exploring Investment Opportunities with Japanese Enterprises

On the same day, Mr. Duong Tan Hien, Permanent Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People’s Committee, chaired a working session with representatives from eight major Japanese corporations exploring opportunities for collaboration and investment. Ambassador Ito Naoki and leaders from key departments of Can Tho also participated.

Permanent Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People’s Committee Duong Tan Hien discussed cooperation opportunities with Japanese firms.

During the meeting, Mr. Hien reaffirmed Japan’s position as a comprehensive strategic partner in investment cooperation with Can Tho. Currently, the city hosts 80 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, including eight from Japan, with a total registered capital of approximately USD 1.349 billion. These projects primarily focus on processing, information technology, power production, and other supporting industries.

Highlighting the substantial untapped potential for Japanese enterprises in Can Tho, Mr. Hien noted that many Japanese corporations are eager to expand their cooperation in areas such as deep processing industries, machinery manufacturing, renewable energy, environmental management, and high technology—aligning with Can Tho’s strategy to drive economic restructuring and promote green, sustainable technology development.

Building Can Tho as a Reliable Destination for Japanese Investors

Can Tho leader reaffirmed that Can Tho’s government and people view Japan as a “trusted friend” and a critical partner in advancing the city’s socio-economic development. The city is committed to fostering administrative reforms, simplifying procedures, and creating a transparent, business-friendly investment environment for all foreign investors, including Japanese enterprises.

Representatives from Japanese businesses shared their experiences and insights regarding their activities and development in Vietnam. They explored investment opportunities in various sectors, including supporting industries, agricultural exports—mainly frozen fruit—information technology, human resource training, clean energy, environmental management, and infrastructure development. They expressed hopes for ongoing support from the city, both in terms of policy incentives and in facilitating connections with regional stakeholders to establish sustainable value chains.

Can Tho City leaders received Japanese businesses.

Promising Cooperation in Infrastructure and Climate Change Adaptation

Earlier, Mr. Duong Tan Hien also met with Mr. Toshiyuki Fukuda, General Director of Nippon Koei Vietnam Co., Ltd., to discuss investment opportunities in climate change adaptation, transportation infrastructure, industrial parks, and energy development. These sectors represent promising avenues for collaboration, as Japan and Vietnam share similar goals for sustainable development, energy efficiency, and minimizing the adverse effects of climate change.

Facing challenges such as sea level rise, riverbank erosion, and salinity intrusion, Can Tho and the Mekong Delta require advanced technologies and expertise. With their extensive experience, Japanese companies can support Can Tho City in implementing modern management models, such as advanced flood control systems and saltwater intrusion barriers. This will enhance climate resilience and ensure effective and sustainable socio-economic development for Can Tho.

Towards Comprehensive and Sustainable Cooperation

Concluding the series of events, Can Tho's leaders, Ambassador Ito Naoki, and Japanese business representatives expressed optimism about future collaboration and investment opportunities. The relationship between Vietnam and Japan, with a history of over 50 years of diplomatic ties, is a significant example of regional solidarity and mutual support. Ambassador Ito Naoki's visit, along with the Japanese delegation, not only facilitated valuable exchanges but also established a foundation for actionable plans moving forward. Both parties are eager to leverage Can Tho's prominent role in the Mekong Delta to contribute effectively to the city's development and strengthen the enduring friendship and partnership between Vietnam and Japan.