During his reception on Thursday morning for Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Umeda Kunio, Da Nang Party Committee Secretary Truong Quang Nghia expressed his delight at the Japanese diplomat’s presence at the Viet Nam - Japan Cultural Exchange Festival 2018.

Japanese ambassador Kunio (left) and Secretary Nghia (Photo: QUOC KHAI)

He affirmed that the festival is one of exciting activities to mark the 45^th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries. The event, hence, will help to strengthen Viet Nam-Japan cultural exchange activities, as well as deepen the friendship relations between Da Nang and some of Japanese localities.

Secretary Nghia noted “Da Nang is now home to 150 Japanese-invested projects with a total capital of 530 million USD, accounting for 16.7% of the city’s total FDI capital. Japanese businesses operating in the city get involved in the aspects of electronic and electrical equipment production, information technology, science and technology, and hospitality.”

The host highlighted the effective operation of the direct flights between Da Nang and Japanese localities of Narita and Osaka. This facilitates Vietnamese and Japanese investors and citizens to promote their tourism cooperation and exchange activities.

The city Party chief said appeals for investment were being made for the dedicated IT Industrial Park and Hi-tech Park in Da Nang. He also asked for help from the Japanese ambassador to appeal for businesses from his country to invest into these parks.

In addition, the host said he would like Japanese government to give financial assistance to their country’s investors to implement the city’s Lien Chieu Port project under public-private partnership (PPP) format.

In reply, Japanese ambassador Kunio thanked the city leaders for facilitating businesses, organisations, and individuals from his country to live and invest into the city.

Also, the Japanese guest vowed to make greater efforts to lift bilateral cooperation with Da Nang to new heights in the future. He also hoped that the city authorities would facilitate his government to establish a Japanese consulate here.