Can Tho municipal leaders and representatives from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) discussed future investment opportunities for Japanese firms in Can Tho at their meeting on October 29.

At the event (Photo: VNA) 

Hirai Shinji, JETRO chief representative in Ho Chi Minh City, said that last year, approximately 3,100 Japanese businesses had visited the JETRO office in HCM City in order to seek information about the current investment climate in provinces and cities throughout southern Vietnam.

At present, Can Tho is the locality that enjoys the highest number of enquiries from enterprises seeking information on investment, infrastructure, and the city’s support for Japanese businesses. Moreover, many firms are seeking potential partners and customers that can co-operate alongside Japanese enterprises in the future.

Truong Quang Hoai Nam, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho City People's Committee, stated that the city is now calling for investment in priority projects on industrial park construction, smart urban areas, logistics,  education, health, and human resource training.

Since Japan was identified as a strategic partner for Can Tho, Japanese businesses enjoy preference in terms of allocating land resources, apart from support in connecting infrastructure.

Aside from improving the overall quality of local services during administrative procedures, the city has completed a number of infrastructure construction projects that meet  the needs of Japanese businesses. Some of these needs include accommodation for Japanese experts, entertainment facilities, medical services, and convenient transportation. 

2020 marks the year for Can Tho to launch direct flights to Japan, while major infrastructure projects such as Vinmec International Hospital are expected to come into operation. In addition, the International Golf Course has accomplished the first phase of its development, while the Can Tho–HCM City high-speed railway project has been approved, helping to reduce travel time between the two cities from 3.5 hours to 45 minutes.

Moreover, the province has also built a system of thermal power plants that run on gas, resulting in less pollution for the environment, while also setting up power stations as a means of providing electricity for industrial parks.

JETRO in Ho Chi Minh City will serve as a bridge providing information to Japanese enterprises looking to invest in southern localities. This service will be provided in the fastest and most efficient manner in order to draw more Japanese businesses to Can Tho and allow them to explore additional investment opportunities, Shinji said.