VietNamNet Bridge – Da Nang plans to open a representative office in Yokohama, Japan, to co-ordinate investment, trade, tourism and other co-operation between the two sides.

Da Nang plans to open a representative office in Yokohama, Japan, to co-ordinate investment, trade, tourism and other co-operation between the two sides. — Photo japan-guide.com

Mai Dang Hieu, deputy director of the central city's foreign affairs department said on Tuesday, July 21, that Yokohama has promised support, adding the liaison office is part of a plan to attract investment and tourism from Japan.

In 2009 Da Nang and Yokohama inked a memorandum of understanding for co-operation.

The city has also built relationships with other Japanese provinces and cities like Kawasaki, Mitsuke, Sakai, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, and Okayama.

Da Nang has attracted US$3.37 billion worth of FDI, of which Japanese investors accounted for $356 million.

But the city faces some major challenges in attracting Japanese investment, including the small market size, lack of direct flights, overloaded ports, and a dearth of supporting industries.

Last year Vietnam Airlines launched the first direct flight between Tokyo and Da Nang.

Da Nang has built a 100ha industrial zone exclusively for Japanese companies and a 1.2ha Viet Nam-Japan Cultural Exchange Centre.

It also plans to open an office in a Korean city later this year.

VNS