HCM City expects to be model of Vietnam-Japan local-to-local cooperation
Ho Chi Minh City hopes to be a model of local-to-local cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, said at a ceremony on September 20 to mark the 50th anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic ties.
The first carriage of HCM City’s Metro Line 1 was manufactured in Japan.(Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA)- Ho Chi Minh City hopes to be a model of local-to-local cooperation betweenVietnam and Japan, Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, said ata ceremony on September 20 to mark the 50th anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic ties.
Mai said the southern metropolis has set up cooperative ties with seven Japanese localities, adding that the relationshipwith Japanese localities in particular and Japanese partners in general isalways one of the city's top priorities.
In the context that Japan isstrengthening connections with the Mekong region and promoting the vision of afree and open Indo-Pacific region, HCM City can play an important role inconnecting regional supply and value chains, contributing to shaping a fair,stable and sustainable regional security architecture, he continued.
He said that the city wishes and stands ready, together with the Government and Japanese partners, in exploring andimplementing initiatives to create a broader development space for both peoples,as well as for the regional and global communities.
HCM City hopes that Japaneseinvestors will continue to promote investment in potential areas such asproduction and transportation infrastructure, logistics, healthcare and urbandevelopment, he said, adding it expects to create a new Official DevelopmentAssistance cooperation model with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA),through a dynamic combination of JICA's aid, the city's budget, businesses'investment and the involvement of service users.
For his part, Ono Masuo,Consul General of Japan in HCM City, said that the friendly and cooperativerelationship between the two countries is growing in many fields, suchas economics, politics, culture and sports. The visit to Vietnam by Japanese CrownPrince Akishino and his wife from September 20 - 21 will offer a new turningpoint for Japan-Vietnam relations, he noted.
According to the ConsulateGeneral of Japan, the number ofJapanese businesses investing in HCM City and southern localities has exceeded1,000 businesses, elaborating that Japanese enterprises ꦐhave expandedto providing goods and services to the Vietnames🐠e domestic market, instead offocusing only on manufacturing for export.
Japan wishes to continue cooperatingwith HCM City to further develop friendship and cooperation between the twocountries, Ono said./.
The Vietnam - Japan relations are now in their prime and live up to the countries’ extensive strategic partnership, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu said on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties (September 21, 1973 - 2023).
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council has officially approved the establishment of a Department of Food Safety in the city, the first such provincial-level agency in the country.
Study of new technologies is underway in Ho Chi Minh City to complete its transport system, and ease traffic congestion that has plagued the southern hub for a long time.
Friendship and mutual trust based on people-to-people exchanges nurtured for many years have formed an impetus for the Vietnam - Japan relations, said Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
The first carriage of HCM City’s Metro Line 1 was manufactured in Japan.(Photo: VNA) 
