The President of the Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed the hope that in the near future, the two chambers of commerce will enhance cooperation and develop programs to promote connections between businesses in Kobe City and Vietnam, thereby contributing to deepening the excellent cooperative relationship between the two countries.

Vice Chairman of VCCI Nguyen Quang Vinh (right) presents a souvenir to Mr. Kawasaki Hiroya, President of the Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Japan

During the meeting, Mr. Kawasaki Hiroya, President of the Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Japan, and Vice Chairman Nguyen Quang Vinh of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) discussed enhancing cooperation opportunities between the business communities of Vietnam and Kobe City in the future.

According to Mr. Hiroya, Vietnam is an attractive destination for businesses from Kobe City. In recent years, Kobe City has made several visits, conducted on-site surveys, and participated in business discussions in Vietnam. Therefore, the President of the Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry hopes to strengthen effective and substantial cooperation between Kobe City and VCCI in the coming time to support more businesses in Kobe in expanding their investments in the Vietnamese market.

Additionally, Mr. Hiroya extended an invitation to Vice Chairman of VCCI and Vietnamese businesses to attend the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, scheduled to take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The main theme of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai will be "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," and the exhibition aims to encourage global cooperation to create a sustainable society, in line with the United Nations’ goals.

Through Expo Osaka Kansai 2025, the event will serve as a platform and a springboard to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations for 2030. Furthermore, it is also an opportunity to assess the ability to build a Society 5.0.

Both Sides Discuss Enhancing Cooperation Opportunities between Vietnamese Businesses and Kobe City

Vice Chairman Nguyen Quang Vinh of VCCI commended the role of the Kobe Chamber of Commerce in promoting cooperation between Vietnamese and Japanese businesses. He noted that Japan is one of the leading investors in Vietnam, and VCCI has had important departments dedicated to supporting Japanese businesses since the 1990s.

Additionally, according to Vice Chairman Vinh, both Vietnamese and Japanese businesses are adopting new business models that not only aim to create jobs and generate economic value but also contribute new environmental values and the overall prosperity of society.

To enhance the effectiveness of cooperation in the future, Vice Chairman Vinh suggested that both sides need to build a solid relationship foundation, promote connections, and expand the search for new business and investment opportunities for businesses in Kobe and Vietnam.

Vice Chairman Vinh also requested that the Kobe Chamber of Commerce encourage Kobe-based companies to increase investments in areas of interest to Vietnam, such as manufacturing, high-tech agriculture, processing, and import-export of agricultural products. Furthermore, he mentioned that VCCI will widely disseminate information about the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai to interested businesses and encourage their participation.

During the reception, the President of the Kobe Chamber of Commerce informed Vice Chairman Vinh about some cooperation opportunities in areas of strength such as tourism, alcoholic beverages (wine, beer), and pearl processing. According to Mr. Hiroya, in 2025, Kobe Airport may accommodate charter flights, providing an opportunity for businesses on both sides to enhance cooperation through establishing direct flights connecting Kobe with Vietnam.