Leaders of Ho Chi Minh City and Japan’s Saitama Prefecture had ameeting in Ho Chi Minh City on June 2 to seek opportunities to boostpartnerships and economic connections.

Tat ThanhCang, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, briefed theguest on the current general socio-economic situation in the city aswell as the city’s strengths and future development orientations.

He noted that the city is strong in industry and trade withagriculture accounting for only 1 percent of the economy. However, thecity is striving to develop hi-tech agriculture with high added value,he said.

Many Japanese firms have shown interest inthe sector, he added, suggesting that those from Saitama should exploreinvestment opportunities in the field.

Cang heldthat economic collaboration potential between the two localities isabundant, especially in mechanical engineering, electronics, informationtechnology, chemicals, food processing, garments and textiles andfootwear.

He also proposed that apart from economiccooperation, Saitama businesses should seek high-quality human resourcestraining, which helps provide sufficient labour sources for theirprojects in the city.

Saitama Vice Governor IwasakiYasuo said the Saitama delegation’s visit aims to set up a friendlypartnership between the two localities, especially in economics.

He noted that about 80 enterprises from Saitama are currentlyinvesting in Vietnam , mostly in mechanical engineering, automobilepart manufacturing, construction and architecture.

Saitama businesses strengths include automobile part making, supportindustry, mechanical engineering and hi-tech agriculture, Iwasaki said,expressing his hope that close ties with Ho Chi Minh City would beset up shortly.

During the meeting, the two sidesagreed to create favourable conditions for enterprises of bothlocalities to strengthen connections and affiliation in the future.-VNA