Ho Chi Minh City, Japan’s Hyogo seek closer tourism, talent ties

Nguyen Cong Vinh, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City administration, outlined the priorities during a reception for Ogiso Hiroyasu, head of Hyogo Prefecture’s Economic and Tourism Center, on the sidelines of the 2026 Autumn Economic Forum, held in the southern Vietnamese city from Monday to Thursday.

Japan is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s leading economic partners.

As of August 31 this year, Japanese investors had 2,346 projects in the city with a total registered capital of approximately US$15.36 billion, ranking third among investors from 152 countries and territories.

Ho Chi Minh City and Hyogo have maintained ties since 2007, cooperating through official exchanges and initiatives in trade promotion, investment, education, environment, technology and high-quality workforce development.

Vinh praised the Ho Chi Minh City-Hyogo Economic Forum for connecting the two local administrations and their business communities.

Following the forum’s seventh edition in Ho Chi Minh City in 2025, the eighth edition is scheduled for November 10 in Hyogo.

Following its administrative merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau in July last year, Ho Chi Minh City has gained a broader development base combining strengths in finance, services, manufacturing, seaports, logistics and tourism, Vinh said.

The city called on Hyogo’s Economic and Tourism Center to help Japanese businesses explore investment opportunities in supporting industries, high-tech manufacturing, green industries and logistics.

The southern metropolis also wants to help local businesses join supply chains and expand their presence in Japan.

The vice-chairman added that Ho Chi Minh City is interested in Hyogo’s experience in green technologies, hydrogen energy and digitalization in industrial production.

The two sides also discussed promoting tourism, connecting travel companies, developing high-quality and sustainable tourism products, and increasing visitor exchanges.

Ogiso Hiroyasu said leaders from both localities have maintained regular exchanges and meetings to strengthen cooperation over the past years.

In April this year, Nguyen Phuoc Loc, deputy secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, paid a visit to Hyogo, where he discussed potential cooperation in health care and social welfare with local officials.

The rotating economic promotion forum provides a platform for authorities and businesses to discuss economic development, investment conditions, workforce needs and opportunities for expanded cooperation, Ogiso Hiroyasu said.

Aside from trade and investment, Hyogo is seeking closer business links tied to workforce development.

In October, the prefecture organized a business networking event with students at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, attended by 15 companies from Hyogo.

The companies introduced employment opportunities and recruitment information in information technology, mechanical engineering, architecture and construction.

The initiative is intended to help Vietnamese students explore career opportunities in Japan while enabling Japanese firms to connect with suitable candidates.

Hyogo also wants to promote its tourist attractions, local specialties and cultural heritage in Ho Chi Minh City, while introducing Vietnamese culture and tourism to Japanese audiences.

Cultural exchanges and tourism promotion could help people from both localities learn more about each other’s lives, traditions and communities, the Hyogo official said.