Japan to assist Vietnam in building smart cities
VOV.VN - The Japanese Government is set to establish a fund worth approximately U$2.4 billion in support of smart-city projects to be undertaken by Japanese firms in Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, according to business news publication Nikkei Asia.
In line with the scheme, Japanese companies are scheduled to participate in smart city projects in 26 cities throughout 10 ASEAN members, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam, Jakarta (Indonesia), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
Japan intends to request that the 26 beneficiaries submit their smart city development plans by the end of the year and will then select the eligible projects in the spring of next year.
Among Japanese companies to be involved in the projects are Tokyu Group that has previous involvement in the southern province of Binh Duong, while Yokohama city-based joint venture companies are participating in another project in Thailand’s Chonburi province.
Through the establishment of the fund, the Japanese Government hopes to compete with foreign rivals such as China and the Republic of Korea in implementing a range of smart city projects throughout Southeast Asia.
