Can Tho creates enabling environment to attract Japanese investors
The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho is committed to creating the best possible conditions for Japanese companies to study, invest and develop projects, Standing Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Commitee Duong Tan Hien said at a January 20 meeting with representatives from the Japanese Embassy and businesses in Vietnam.
Hien also said he hopes the collaboration will increase between Can Tho and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), providing an opportunity to attract Japanese businesses to invest there.
Specifically, regarding companies like Aeon Mall Vietnam and Marubeni Corporation, Can Tho has closely coordinated with them to resolve issues within the city's authority. For procedures related to ministries and central agencies, it has also worked with relevant sides to expedite the groundbreaking of the Aeon Mall shopping centre in Can Tho, Hien said.
He added that ongoing efforts are being made to address difficulties related to the construction of the O Mon power plant project implemented by Marubeni Corporation.
Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki said that upon arriving in Can Tho, he saw the city's rapid development and the local government's efforts to support foreign businesses.
The ambassador hoped that the city’s leaders would continue to improve the business and investment environment for foreign companies, enabling them to expand their investments further and bring more benefits to local development.
Matsumoto Nobuyuki, chief representative of the JETRO Office in Ho Chi Minh City and Vice Chairman of the Japan Business Association in HCM City, noted a JETRO member is investing in Can Tho.
He hoped in the future, more Japanese businesses would come to invest in the Mekong Delta city, and JETRO is always ready to continue supporting the Can Tho administration in introducing the city's advantages to Japanese companies.
Can Tho is now home to 80 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with a total registered capital of over US$2.2 billion. Among these, there are eight Japanese projects worth almost US$1.35 billion in total, operating mainly in sectors such as manufacturing - processing, information technology, and electricity production.
The city considers Japan a reliable and important partner. To promote cooperation with Japan, the local administration has established the Japan desks in Can Tho as well as in Tokyo and Osaka to assist in resolving difficulties faced by Japanese investors in Can Tho and to provide information about the local investment environment, along with projects and sectors that Can Tho hopes to attract investors to.
The city also zoned a 30ha area to establish the Vietnam – Japan Friendship Industrial Park for Japanese investors. This industrial park has completed land clearance and is ready to welcome investors.
