Ho Chi Minh City seeks Japanese expertise for modern urban development

Ho Chi Minh City is seeking to emulate Japan's success in developing modern metropolises, aiming to become a leading urban center in the region. A delegation from the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council, led by Vice Chairman Huynh Thanh Nhan, met with Japanese officials, including Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Sasaki Hajime and Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Hayashi Yoshimasa. The delegation shared the city's socio-economic situation and highlighted the upcoming special urban law, which will grant more autonomy to Ho Chi Minh City. The city hopes to leverage this new framework to address development challenges and capitalize on opportunities arising from recent administrative mergers.

During discussions with Vice Minister Sasaki Hajime, Ho Chi Minh City expressed its desire for continued Japanese support in key areas such as infrastructure development, transportation, urban planning, and tourism. The city is also seeking Official Development Assistance (ODA) to help transform itself into a new regional powerhouse. Vice Minister Sasaki acknowledged the opportune moment for Ho Chi Minh City's growth and expressed confidence in the city's leadership and people to achieve their economic and social goals. He pledged to discuss potential cooperation projects in transportation, urban construction, and planning with relevant Japanese ministries, aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes and considering specialized technical assistance for Vietnam's needs.

Further discussions with Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa focused on learning from Tokyo's experience as a leading global city. Ho Chi Minh City aims to apply these lessons to its own development into a modern urban center with significant regional standing. Minister Hayashi welcomed the delegation's visit and praised cultural and sports exchanges. He affirmed Japan's readiness to assist Ho Chi Minh City in areas under his ministry's purview, should the city propose cooperation. Both sides also agreed to explore personnel exchanges and training programs to enhance professional capacity and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

“

We want to learn from Japan's experience to build Ho Chi Minh City into a modern city with a scale and position commensurate with the region.