Addressing the function, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Phu Binh described the establishment of the association, which includes 112 members, a milestone in boosting relations between Vietnam and Japan as well as between Nagasaki prefecture and many localities in Vietnam.

He also expressed his hope that there will be more businesses from Nagasaki to invest in Vietnam, meanwhile, more Vietnamese students will have the chance to study in Nagasaki in 2008.

According to chairman of the association Noriaki Miyoshi, the organisation is committed to further boosting exchanges and cooperation in economy, culture, tourism and public health.

A Kyushu trade representative said that Kyushu’s businesses are investing in auto part manufacture, electronics, real estate and food in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.