Le Thanh Hai, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee , also pledged to create the best possible conditions for Japanese businesses to effectively invest in the City. For instance, he said, HCM City will allocate specific areas for Japanese industrial zones.

Mr Hai made the statements on October 11 during a working session with Japanese officials and businesses belonging to the Kansai Economic Federation (Kankeiren) in Japan’s Osaka prefecture.

He was heading a high-level delegation, including representatives of more than 30 HCM City businesses during their visit to Osaka.

Mr Hai highlighted the significant growth in ties between Vietnam and Japan in general and between Osaka and HCM City in particular and said HCM City encourages the development of support industries and human resources. He also pointed out some shortcomings of the City, such as poor infrastructure and a shortage of highly skilled workers.

Meanwhile, Kansai investors expressed their wish that the HCM City leadership will pay more attention to public administration reforms, provide open and clear land policies, and help to remove investors’ obstacles in a timely manner. They are especially concerned about the shortage of electricity and water in the City.

Kankeiren will have an economic exchange meeting in Danang on November 20.