The event was attended by former President Truong Tan Sang, Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong, and Japanese businessmen and people living in the southern hub.
Consul General Kawaue Junichi highlighted the Emperor’s contributions to deepening the sound relations between Japan and Vietnam.
In 2018, the two countries have organised numerous activities celebrating the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic ties, including events in HCM City and surrounding localities.
Consul General Kawaue Junichi thanked the local authorities and agencies for their sentiment, support and cooperation, and said he hopes to receive continued the city’s support and collaboration in developing the ties between Japan and HCM City, contributing to promoting the relations between the two countries.
Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong congratulated Emperor Akihito on his 85th birthday, and highlighted the ties between the city and Japan, especially in 2018.
Japan’s total investments in HCM City exceeded 4 billion USD in 2018, making the East Asian nation the fifth investor among 100 countries and territories investing in the city. More than 1,200 Japanese businesses have opened their offices and factories in the city.
Bilateral trade between HCM City and Japan reached 5 billion USD in 2017.
In the first half of this year, the city welcomed nearly 300,000 Japanese visitors.
The same day, the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association (VJFA) of Ho Chi Minh City held a get-together to mark Emperor Akihito’s 85th birthday.
