Ho Chi Minh City invites Aichi businesses to expand manufacturing investments

The appeal was made at the 2026 Ho Chi Minh City-Aichi Investment Promotion Conference held on Monday in the prefecture capital of Nagoya.

The event, organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka and organizers of the Vietnam Festival in Aichi, attracted more than 180 representatives from government agencies and business communities of both countries.

The conference marked the 10th anniversary of the friendship and cooperation partnership between Ho Chi Minh City and Aichi.

Speaking at the event, Tran Van Bay, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City administration, said Japan remains one of the city’s most important investment partners.

As of August 31 this year, Japan ranked third among 152 countries and territories investing in Ho Chi Minh City, with 2,346 projects and total registered capital of approximately US$15.36 billion.

Bay said cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Aichi has expanded significantly over the past decade, evolving from cultural and tourism exchanges into deeper industrial and technological collaboration.

The conference also marked the first time investment-promotion activities were combined with an exhibition, giving businesses opportunities to explore investment conditions, showcase projects and seek partners.

According to Pham Quang Nhat, head of the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center, the Vietnamese city attracted more than $19.1 billion in foreign investment during the first 10 months of 2026, up four-fold against the same period last year.

With a population exceeding 14 million and contributing about 23.5 percent of Vietnam’s GDP, the city offers strong advantages through its network of financial, industrial and logistics services, as well as its port infrastructure.

During the conference, city officials highlighted opportunities for Aichi companies in manufacturing, high-technology industries, logistics and supply chains, green energy, and tourism.

Representatives from JETRO Nagoya, Becamex IDC, Saigontourist Group, Kyoei, FPT Automotive and Catex also discussed industrial park development, supporting industries, supply-chain connectivity and artificial intelligence applications in manufacturing.

Workforce development and AI adoption were additional topics, reflecting growing demand for skilled labor and advanced technologies in both markets.

Aichi Governor Omura Hideaki described Ho Chi Minh City as a leading destination for Aichi businesses in Vietnam, citing its strong economic growth, young workforce and expanding consumer market.

He affirmed that Aichi would continue promoting economic exchanges and cooperation with the city.

For its part, Ho Chi Minh City pledged continued support for Aichi investors exploring and implementing projects.

The Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center was assigned to serve as the focal point for follow-up activities aimed at turning business discussions into concrete investment projects.