The sharp increase in the numbers of Japanese tourists to Vietnam, Japanese learners in Vietnam and Japanese people living and working in HCM City in recent times showed that bilateral relations are further expanded. Japan is one of the five countries having the highest number of tourists to Vietnam, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the total number of tourists in the country. Last year, Vietnam welcomed nearly 400,000 Japanese tourists and approximately 157,000 over the past five months of this year, said Mr Ikuo Mizuki.

Nguyen Cong Tanh, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association in HCM City reviewed important events marking the 35^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Japan in 2009.

He expressed his hope that the two countries will further promote cultural and educational exchange programmes between young generations and localities.

In 2008, two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and Japan reached US$16.78 billion and is expected to surpass US$15 billion mark in 2010. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, 28 “Global 500” Japanese groups have so far invested in 110 projects in Vietnam with a total investment capital of US$2.3 billion. By March this year, Japan’s total FDI will see more than 1,000 valid projects in the country increased to US$17.18 billion.