HCM CITY — HCM City is stepping up investment promotion and seeking to expand cooperation with Japan’s Aichi Prefecture in manufacturing, high technology, logistics, green energy and tourism to attract more Japanese businesses to its expanded economic space.

Speaking at the 2026 HCM City–Aichi Investment Promotion Conference in Nagoya, Japan, on November 9, Trần Văn Bảy, vice chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, said relations between the two localities had strengthened over the past decade, spanning cultural exchanges, people-to-people ties, industry, technology and tourism.

The conference marked the 10th anniversary of their friendship and cooperation and introduced a new approach to investment promotion.

For the first time, the two localities combined a conference with an exhibition to showcase investment potential, introduce projects and facilitate direct connections between government agencies and businesses.

Bảy highlighted Japan’s importance as an investment partner. As of August 31, 2026, Japan ranked third among 152 countries and territories investing in HCM City, with 2,346 projects and registered capital of US$15.36 billion.

Hirose Noriko, head of the organising committee of the Vietnam Festival in Aichi, praised HCM City’s role as an economic hub, particularly its market connectivity and potential for cooperation in manufacturing and supply chain development.

These advantages offer opportunities for Aichi businesses to expand their operations and explore partnerships in Việt Nam, she said.

Referring to the city’s investment environment, Phạm Quang Nhật, director of the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCM City (ITPC), said the city, home to more than 14 million people and contributing approximately 23.5 per cent of the country’s GDP, is a key hub connecting financial and service centres, industrial zones, and seaports.

It attracted more than $19.1 billion in foreign investment in the first 10 months of 2026, more than four times the figure for the same period last year, reflecting its growing market appeal and expanding investment opportunities, he said.

He identified manufacturing, high technology, logistics, green energy, and tourism as key areas for potential cooperation with Aichi. These sectors offer opportunities to tap Japanese businesses’ industrial expertise, technological capabilities, and manufacturing experience while supporting the city’s development priorities.

Nhật said the ITPC would support Aichi businesses throughout the investment process, from providing market information and policy guidance to arranging site visits, connecting partners, and assisting with project implementation.

The conference featured presentations by JETRO Nagoya, Becamex IDC, Saigontourist Group, Kyoei, FPT Automotive and Catex on investment trends, industrial park infrastructure, manufacturing, supporting industries, tourism, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.

Discussions also focused on workforce training and AI applications to meet businesses’ investment and production needs.

In his closing remarks, Bảy said the conference had laid the groundwork for broader cooperation in investment, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

He said HCM City would continue to help Aichi businesses explore investment opportunities and implement projects, with the ITPC serving as the focal point for following up on cooperation proposals raised at the conference.

The city welcomed further interest from Japanese investors, particularly those from Aichi, in exploring its investment environment and expanding production and business operations.

Omura Hideaki, governor of Aichi Prefecture, described HCM City as one of the leading investment destinations for Aichi businesses in Việt Nam, citing its economic growth, young workforce, and expanding domestic market.

He said Aichi is committed to promoting economic exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation with HCM City.

The conference attracted more than 180 delegates, including government officials, representatives of investment promotion organisations, business associations, and enterprises from both countries. — VNS