On the morning of March 28, Comrade Lê Tiến Châu, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee, and Head of the Hai Phong National Assembly Delegation, received H.E. Ito Naoki, Ambassador of Japan to Vietnam. Present at the reception were Comrade Nguyễn Văn Tùng, Deputy Party Secretary and Chairman of Hai Phong People’s Committee, along with leaders of relevant departments and agencies.
Welcoming the Ambassador, the Party Secretary noted that Hai Phong maintains strong relations with seven Japanese localities and numerous Japanese enterprises. The first industrial park in Hai Phong was established by a Japanese company, and over the past 26 years, it has become highly successful in attracting investment. Today, the city hosts 147 Japanese projects worth USD 4.5 billion, ranking third in project numbers and second in FDI value. In 2024, bilateral trade between Hai Phong and Japan reached over USD 5 billion. Additionally, Hai Phong implements eight Japanese ODA-funded projects that yield significant economic, political, and diplomatic benefits. The city also collaborates with Japanese NGOs on clean water and environmental initiatives, which have profound humanitarian value. On behalf of the city and people of Hai Phong, the Secretary expressed gratitude to the Japanese government and people for their longstanding support.
The Secretary presented an overview of Hai Phong’s socio-economic development, emphasizing its strategic location in northern Vietnam, integrated infrastructure, intercontinental transport connectivity, the region’s largest seaport, and upcoming high-speed railway projects. Hai Phong is in the process of establishing new industrial parks to attract further investment. The Vietnamese government recently approved the Southern Coastal Economic Zone of Hai Phong, promoting the development of airports, Nam Do Son Port, free trade zones, industrial parks, industrial clusters, and new urban areas. The city stands ready to support Japanese businesses in exploring investment and cooperation opportunities.
During the meeting, the Secretary cordially invited the Ambassador to attend the 70th Anniversary of Hai Phong’s Liberation Day and the Red Flamboyant Flower Festival in May. Ambassador Ito Naoki expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and said he was impressed by Hai Phong’s double-digit growth over the past decade, particularly its focus on green transformation and sustainable development. He also commended the teaching of Japanese language in local schools and pledged that Japan would support by providing textbooks and sending teachers. The Ambassador extended invitations to Hai Phong’s leaders and residents to attend two major cultural events in Japan in 2025 to enhance bilateral ties. He looks forward to visiting Hai Phong’s celebration and festival and believes that the potentials and opportunities will soon mature into joint projects for mutual development.