Da Nang People’s Committee Vice Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Tuan recently warmly received a group of representatives from Yokohama City Council.

Mr Yamashita (left) and Vice Chairman Tuan

Vice Chairman Tuan proudly said, “Over recent years, there have been many important milestones recorded in the bilateral cooperation between Da Nang and Yokohama City”.

In 2013, the 2 localities entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on ensuring sustainable urban development.  This agreement, which remains valid until 31 March 2019, aims to help Da Nang learn from the valuable experiences of Yokohama City in effectively handling urban affairs. 

Most notably, the 2 localities and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly implementing a trilateral cooperation programme to help Da Nang ensure sustainable progress over the 2014 – 2016 period.  As part of the programme, some seminars have been organised on guaranteeing urban development.  These seminars highlighted effective ways for Da Nang to achieve its target of increasing the city’s current population from 1 million to 3 million in the near future, and securing its position as the most important driving force for boosting the growth of the central region’s key economic zone.  Importance was also attached to developing a sustainable urban model for the city, enhancing the city’s international competitiveness and ensuring its own special cultural characteristics.

Furthermore, Yokohama City is now actively involved in assisting Da Nang in conducting research into the implementation of Lien Chieu Port.  Also, numerous bilateral exchanges of students, government employees, fine arts and cultural activities have been held over recent years.

Vice Chairman Tuan remarked that the visit made by the Japanese delegation would help to bolster friendship, mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation on such aspects as developing seaports, wastewater treatment technologies, and cultural exchanges.  He also said he hoped that businesses from Yokohama City, and those from Japan in general, would invest in Da Nang, especially in the IT and hi-tech sectors.

Mr Masato Yamashita, a member of the Yokohama City Council, said that his city is willing to share its experiences with Da Nang in managing transport infrastructure, developing wastewater treatment technologies, and making good preparations for the 25^th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC 2017) summit, which will take place in the city next November.