HCM City (VNA) – Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi MinhCity People’s Committee Vo Van Hoan on July 29 expressed his wish for Japan’sfurther support in the fields of urban transportation, environment improvementand flooding prevention.

During a reception in Ho Chi Minh City for Japanese ViceMinister for Foreign Affairs Norikazu Suzuki, Hoan expressed appreciation for theJapanese government’s support via the Japan International Cooperation Agencyfor the East-West Avenue, Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro Line No.1, and waterenvironment improvement projects, making important contributions to improvinglocal lives.

Ho Chi Minh City pledges to continue improving the businessenvironment and providing all possible support for foreign investors, includingthose from Japan, he said.

He also said he believes that both sides will successfully organizethe Vietnam – Japan Festival 2020, contributing to strengthening mutualunderstanding, friendship and solidarity between the people of Ho Chi Minh Cityand Japan.

Suzuki, for his part, said the Japanese government alwayshighly values Ho Chi Minh City’s important role in the Vietnam–Japan ties, aswell as those between Japan and regional countries.

He affirmed that the Japanese government will continueassisting Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, in economic development, andurged the city to further step up joint work in Japan in vocational training,thus realising agreements set at the G20 Summit.

Expressing his impression on the Vietnam–Japan music festivalheld in Hanoi on July 28, the Japanese official wished to further increasecultural exchange between the two countries’ young generations.

The guest also asked the city to assist Japan in successfullyholding the Vietnam–Japan Festival 2020.-VNA