Da Nang (VNA) –Chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang Le Trung Chinh highlighted the central city’s role as a nucleus of growth in the central key economic region during a local reception for Japanese Consul General in Da Nang Mori Takero on June 19.

Chinh underlined Da Nang's diverse industrial base, featuring seafood processing, garment manufacturing, leather and footwear production, machinery, construction materials and handicrafts, adding that the city is focusing on high-tech industries, particularly information technology, with the aim of making it a key economic driver. Its economic structure is now transitioning toward services, industry and agriculture.

Pointing to Da Nang's established partnerships with 49 localities across 22 countries and territories, solidified by 104 signed agreements, he said these collaborations, along with the city's active economic diplomacy efforts, have helped promote its image, attract investment and develop tourism.

According to him, Da Nang has garnered recognition through the Vietnam Smart City Awards and numerous other accolades. The city is developing high-quality tourism and services linked to resort real estate; seaports and aviation associated with logistics services; hi-tech industries combined with innovative urban construction and startups; information technology, electronics, and telecommunications to build a robust digital economy; and hi-tech agricultural and fishery products.

Recently, Da Nang has signed memoranda of understanding to establish friendly relations and official cooperation with the Japanese cities of Kawasaki, Sakai, Yokohama and Kisarazu. The city has also maintained cooperative relationships with 15 Japanese prefectures and cities, namely Nagasaki, Shizuoka, Fukuoka, Mitsuke and Otawara.

Chinh expressed his hope that in his new capacity, Consul General Takero would act as a bridge to solidify diplomatic ties between Vietnam, especially Da Nang, and Japan. He pledged unwavering support for Japanese businesses and investors seeking opportunities in the city.

Takero, in reply, reiterated Japan's commitment to collaborating with Da Nang authorities across various sectors to bolster Vietnam-Japan relations. He highlighted the upcoming Vietnam-Japan Festival activities in July as a platform to strengthen ties across diverse fields.

Currently, Japan stands as Da Nang's leading foreign investor, with over 1.14 billion USD poured into 261 projects. These projects contribute significantly to the city's socioeconomic development through technology transfer, human resources training, and product diversification.

Da Nang's exports to Japan in 2023 reached nearly 650 million USD, primarily apparel, seafood, electrical and electronic equipme𓄧nt, automotive electrical conductors, headphone cables, children's 🥃toys, handicrafts, wood chips, nets and fishing rods while imports were worth around 350 million USD./.