Long An fosters comprehensive cooperation and strengthens amicable relations with Japanese partners.

DNHN - Officially visiting and operating in Japan from December 5 to December 9, 2023, at the invitation of Japanese organisations and businesses and the mayor of Okayama City, the Labour Promotion and Local Connection Delegation of Long An province

Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Member of the Party Central Committee, presided over the working delegation. Pham Tan Hoa, vice chairman of the provincial people's committee, and department, local, and business leaders from Long An province were in attendance at the working group.

Joint Statement Discussions and Signing with the Okayama City Government

The delegation from the province of Long An participated in the dialogue programme hosted by the Okayama City Government (Japan) on December 5, 2023. The mayor of Okayama, Mr. Masao Omori, and the chairman of the city council, Mr. Taguchi Iroshi, welcomed the delegation. The two parties introduced and discussed the socioeconomic conditions of Okayama City and Long An province; they also deliberated on the future scope of their collaboration. During this gathering, a Joint Declaration was also signed between the mayor of Okayama City, Masao Omori, and the vice chairman of the people's committee of Long An Province, Pham Tan Hoa. The declaration aimed to foster cooperation in the domain of vocational training and facilitate employment opportunities for Vietnamese workers in Japan across various sectors, including industrial production, agriculture, trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchange, art, education, and training.

Nguyen Van Duoc, secretary of the Long An Provincial Party Committee, stated at the meeting that the province has an abundance of human resources, with approximately 1.13 million individuals of working age constituting 65 per cent of the province's total population. To satisfy the recruitment, training, and labour supply needs of investors, including Japanese investors, the majority of the province's workforce is youthful, conscientious, and quick to assimilate scientific and technical knowledge. Long An has dispatched over 1,100 workers to the Japanese market since 2020, representing 89% of the province's total workforce engaged in overseas employment. This substantial outlay has made a significant contribution to enhancing the calibre of labour and augmenting the income of its workforce. Long An will concentrate on attracting investment in processing and manufacturing sectors including precision mechanics, electronic component manufacturing, the semiconductor industry, agricultural product processing, clean energy, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and biotechnology. Consequently, working in Japan and maintaining a desire to continue cooperating with Japanese localities, particularly Okayama city, to recruit investments and educate high-tech human resources for Long An province.

Working with the Yamanashi Prefecture Kofu Business Association

The provincial delegation collaborated with the Kofu Business Association of Yamanashi province during a courtesy visit on December 6. The Association introduced Yamanashi province as a region renowned for its prowess in exporting grapes, peaches, wine, confectionery, gemstone cutting, and other related sectors during the meeting. The proposition put forth by the Provincial Party Secretary was for the Association Association to conduct research and foster collaboration between the two locales in the following areas: labour exporting, processing, and agricultural product exporting for mutual development; investment in specialised and advanced technology and equipment to facilitate the cultivation and exportation of fruits and agricultural products; and provision of training and labour resources to Japan to enhance their credentials before their reintegration into the workforce.

In the past, the Provincial Delegation collaborated with Tazmo Company, an organisation based in Okayama Province that has made a financial investment in Long Hau Industrial Park, Long An Province, ever since 2008. The Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee commends the organisation for utilising technological advancements in the fabrication of semiconductor chips, contemporary machinery, and robotic systems to benefit the electronics sector. Simultaneously, we anticipate that the organisation will further investigate and broaden its investment scope in Long An, while also advancing its pivotal and innovative position in the implementation of science and technology. Furthermore, we anticipate that it will enhance labour productivity in the province of Long An.

Collaborating with prominent Japanese corporations, including Aeon

The delegation's work programme on December 7 included a visit to the headquarters of Aeon Group, a globally renowned retail conglomerate. The Provincial Party Secretary held Aeon Group's initiatives in Vietnam in the highest regard. At this time, banana products manufactured by Long An are distributed to the Japanese market via the Aeon system's retail channel. The Secretary instructed the Group to investigate and expand the importation of the province's robust agricultural products (e.g., purple potatoes, rice, lemons) for distribution at Aeon retail supermarkets. In regards to the Aeon Shopping Centre project in the province, the provincial leaders have pledged to closely monitor its development and offer the Group their utmost assistance to expedite the construction of a state-of-the-art, expansive shopping centre in the province.

Commencing diplomatic relations as a "Comprehensive strategic partnership" in 2023, the year 2023 marks a significant turning point in the bilateral relationship between Japan and Vietnam. Long An has consistently enhanced and broadened its thorough collaboration with Japanese localities, organisations, and businesses, thereby making a partial contribution to positive bilateral relations. The province consistently strives to provide Japanese investors with optimal conditions while they conduct research and invest in projects within the province, particularly those that align with the province's sustainable development agenda. Practical outcomes ensue, thereby fostering mutual advancement and success through the establishment of harmonious benefits for all involved parties.

The delegation is scheduled to collaborate with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), pay a courtesy visit, and survey operating models for waste treatment projects and Sapporo Holdings Group and Hitachi Zosen Group initiatives in Japan.

Truong Giang