Authorities in the Mekong Delta province of Long An conducted a ground-breaking ceremony for the Vietnam-Japan friendship house project occupying an area of approximately 7,000 square meters in Ben Luc District on Friday.

The project is part of the commemorative activities organized to mark the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations.

This friendship house is designed to include various functional zones such as a cultural house, a restaurant, an exhibition area, and miniature landscapes featuring characteristics of Vietnamese and Japanese culture.

During the ground-breaking ceremony, Ono Masuo, Japanese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighted that the Vietnam-Japan relationship is currently at its closest, even the most remarkable level in history. 

He extended his wish for the People’s Committee of Long An to persistently support Japanese individuals and businesses operating in the province, and foster further collaborative ties with Japanese localities.

After the ground-breaking ceremony, a heritage forest planting event took place at the friendship house. 

Encompassing 20,000 square meters, the heritage forest replicates natural woodlands, featuring hundreds of verdant trees and ample open spaces thoughtfully designed to encourage outdoor activities and foster community interaction.

As part of the celebration, the provincial People’s Committee also organized the 2023 Japan Investment Promotion Conference in Tan An City.

According to Huynh Van Son, deputy chairman of the committee, the province currently hosts 138 projects funded by Japanese enterprises, with an investment of approximately US$767 million.

Officials of Long An Province and Ibaraki prefecture sign a joint statement to enhance their relations, July 28, 2023. Photo: An Long / Tuoi Tre

Son emphasized Long An’s desire to enhance comprehensive collaboration with Japanese partners in smart city construction, e-government, human resource development, and the labor market. 

The province also aims to receive additional official development assistance (ODA) loans, non-refundable aid capital, and preferential loans from the Japanese government for various sectors, including public administration, water resource management, health, education, transportation, and urban facilities.

In response, Consul General Masuo commended Long An’s strategic location bridging Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, abundant agricultural resources, and numerous industrial zones. 

Additionally, Long An currently hosts the highest number of Japanese businesses investing in the Mekong Delta region.

He expects further improvements in the local investment environment in the near future, which will serve as key factors in attracting more businesses to the province.

On Friday and Saturday, the provincial People’s Committee also held a two-day photo exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations. 

The exhibition showcased images of local foreign activities with different Japanese localities, as well as traditional products from both Vietnam and Japanese companies.

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