At the reception, Chairman Tran Viet Truong introduced an overview of the socio-economic situation of Can Tho City and emphasized the region's advantages for Japanese investment, including abundant human resources, raw materials, transportation infrastructure, and a favorable urban environment.

Chairman Tran Viet Truong also pointed to the National Assembly’s Resolution (Resolution No. 45/2022/QH15) issued in 2022 that removes investment obstacles for Can Tho, facilitating infrastructure development, human resource development, and digital transformation. The resolution also highlights specific projects such as a shipping channel at Dinh An - Can Tho, a Center for Linkage, Production, Processing, and Consumption of Agricultural Products in the Mekong Delta region, and an Information Technology Park. Regarding foreign direct investment, Japan ranks first among 22 countries and territories with FDI in Can Tho with eight projects worth 1.35 billion USD, and investment activities in manufacturing, information technology, and service sectors.

Can Tho boasts a robust industrial park network, with six parks currently operational and one under construction covering a total area of nearly 992ha. It is actively seeking investment in the Hung Phu 1 (Vietnam-Japan Friendship Industrial Park) and Vinh Thanh industrial parks (VSIP).

Chairman of Can Tho Municipal People's Committee Tran Viet Truong introduced an overview of the socio-economic situation of Can Tho City and highlighted the potential benefits awaiting Japanese enterprises investing in the city during the working session

Beyond infrastructure, Can Tho possesses a significant advantage in its human resources. It has the largest number of skilled workers in the Mekong Delta, with eight universities and 63 vocational training institutions contributing to the talent pool. Notably, around 8,400 students are pursuing studies in areas like information technology, electronics, telecommunications, e-commerce, and digital economy. Every year, some 1,700 college and university graduates enter the workforce equipped with digital transformation skills.

Furthermore, FPT University in Can Tho offers a dedicated Japanese language program while Can Tho University has incorporated Japanese as a supplementary language within its foreign language faculty. Other universities and colleges collaborate with businesses and organizations to provide training courses that prepare workers for potential employment opportunities in Japan.

Chairman Tran Viet Truong hopes to cooperate with the Japanese side in aviation to facilitate trade and tourism development between the two nations.

Managing Executive Officer of Gunma Bank Uchibori Takeo spoke at the meeting

Mr. Uchibori Takeo, representative of the financial delegation of executives of Japanese banks, expressed his gratitude to Can Tho authorities at all levels for their warm welcome and support during the delegation's fact-finding trips to various locations. Mr. Uchibori Takeo also highlighted that Can Tho City offers many attractive preferential policies for investors, which can help connect Japanese businesses that wish to learn and cooperate with Can Tho in the future.

Mr. Uchibori Takeo expressed confidence in the future of strong bilateral cooperation between Japan and Vietnam, noting the recent upgrade of relations between the two countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership in November 2023. Building upon the recently upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, Hyogo province, Okayama City, and Nasushiobara City have already fostered ties with Can Tho. This lays a strong foundation for future collaboration, particularly in the financial sector.

He mentioned that around 80 customers of the unit are currently facing difficulties in recruiting human resources in Vietnam as they are investing directly. Can Tho City seems to be a potential investment destination due to its well-developed infrastructure, transportation, and capacity to provide human resources as per the requirements of Japanese businesses. Mr. Uchibori Takeo is committed to sharing information with Japanese leaders and businesses interested in exploring investment and cooperation opportunities in Can Tho City.