Ho Chi Minh City eyes Japan’s cooperation in urban development

The aspiration was highlighted by Huynh Thanh Nhan, vice chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council, during meetings with Vice Minister of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Sasaki Hajime and Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Hayashi Yoshimasa as part of a working visit to Japan from June 5 to 9.

At the meeting with Vice Minister Sasaki Hajime, Nhan introduced HCM City’s development orientations for the coming period and shared updates on the city’s socio-economic situation and opportunities following its urban expansion plans.

According to him, Vietnam is preparing to enact a Special Urban Law, which will grant HCM City greater autonomy and stronger decentralisation powers, allowing the city to become more proactive and flexible in governance and project implementation.

In this context, HCM City hopes to continue receiving support from Japan in infrastructure construction, transport development, urban planning, tourism and ODA financing. These sectors are considered essential to improving the city’s competitiveness, quality of life and regional position.

In response, Sasaki acknowledged HCM City’s development potential and said this was an appropriate time for the city to accelerate major development programmes.

He noted that Japanese agencies would review the cooperation proposals raised by HCM City, particularly in transport, construction and urban planning, while ensuring balanced benefits for all parties. Japan also expressed readiness to support suitable professional cooperation initiatives aligned with Vietnam’s development priorities.

At a separate meeting with Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Hayashi Yoshimasa, Nhan said HCM City hopes to learn from Tokyo, one of the world’s largest and most advanced metropolitan areas, as it works toward becoming a modern city with a scale and standing commensurate with its regional aspirations.

Hayashi welcomed the delegation’s visit and praised the recent cultural and sporting exchange activities organised by the Ho Chi Minh City delegation in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

The minister also affirmed Japan’s readiness to support HCM City in areas under the ministry’s jurisdiction should the city propose cooperation initiatives.

The two sides further agreed to explore additional professional exchange and personnel training programmes aimed at enhancing the capacity of public officials and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.

Ho Chi Minh City pledges deeper practical cooperation with Dutch partners

Ho Chi Minh City is ready to work closely with Dutch partners to promote substantive cooperation and deepen bilateral ties in an effective and sustainable manner, contributing practically to the Vietnam–Netherlands comprehensive partnership, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Bui Minh Thanh has said.