The operation of Ho Chi Minh City’s metro line No. 1, which launched in December 2024, is a significant milestone in the Vietnam-Japan relationship, Japanese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Ono Masuo said on Thursday at a ceremony marking Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday.

"I am pleased to witness the warm reception from the city's residents for metro line No. 1, a project built with Japan's ODA funds," Masuo said at the event in District 1’s Nikko Hotel. "I expect that the operation of this metro line will bring about a transformation in the city's transport system and create momentum for urban development along the metro route."

Consul General Masuo also referenced Emperor Naruhito's peace message in his New Year address for 2025, saying that the emperor expressed his deep sorrow as wars and conflicts continue to claim lives in many parts of the world.

The emperor emphasized the importance of everyone accepting and respecting each other's differences, working hand in hand to build a peaceful world.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the war in Vietnam, Masuo noted, expressing his hope for a peaceful and hopeful new year for all those living in Vietnam.

He reaffirmed that since the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations in 2023, ties between the two nations have continued to strengthen.

Masuo highlighted the growing economic ties between Japan and Vietnam, particularly Ho Chi Minh City, which has seen increasing Japanese investment in recent years. Japan, he said, welcomes capable Vietnamese businesses to enter its market.

Ho Chi Minh City vice-chairman Vo Van Hoan, who also spoke at the ceremony, extended his best wishes to Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on behalf of the local government and people.

Hoan noted that Vietnam and Japan have entered their second year of implementing a comprehensive strategic partnership, reflecting deep trust and cooperation in a range of sectors, including economics, trade, investment, education, and cultural exchanges.

Japan is currently Ho Chi Minh City's third-largest investor, with nearly 1,800 projects totaling over US$5.9 billion in investment.

Bilateral trade between the city and Japan continues to grow, reinforcing strong economic ties, Hoan said, adding that the official inauguration of metro line No. 1, slated for March 9, will be a turning point for the city's urban transport system, marking a new milestone in the relationship between Vietnam and Japan.

The line began commercial operations on December 22.

He expressed a desire to expand cooperation with Japan in innovation, digital transformation, green economy, and sustainable development.

As Japan deepens its engagement in the Mekong region and promotes its vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, Ho Chi Minh City can play a crucial role as a regional hub in supply and value chains, contributing to a fair, stable, and sustainable economic environment, Hoan said.

He emphasized that Ho Chi Minh City will continue to be a reliable partner for Japan in Southeast Asia.

The first metro line in Ho Chi Minh City spans 19.7 kilometers, built at a cost of US$1.7 billion.

Like us on Facebook or  follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!