The article quoted some economic experts as saying that Vietnam is making the greatest efforts in adjusting its investment environment among Asian countries. In addition, with an abundant labour force which is capable of grasping new technology and cheap labour costs, Vietnam contains the best conditions for foreign investors.

70 percent of the population is aged 30 or under, showing that Vietnam has a huge labour force, the article said, adding that Vietnamese people are hard-working and industrious.

Meanwhile, Asahi newspaper ran an article by Hiroyuki Sakai – a researcher on Asian economy – saying that Japanese firms may miss business opportunities in such a small but dynamic country like Vietnam if they put too much concentration in the two giant Asian countries of China and India.

The writer said Vietnam has great potential to become a “copy” of the success of Thailand and a new industrial production centre in Southeast Asia.

Realising economic potential in Vietnam, many Japanese companies are beginning to invest in the country. In the second half of 2006, Honda automobile manufacturer expanded its production capacity by 30 percent while its new automobile plant began operational in Vietnam.