HCMC – HCMC will host the 9th Japan-Vietnam Festival (JVF) in District 1 from March 9 to 10.
The festival will feature an array of activities like trade, food, tourism exchange programs, and promotional events showcasing Vietnamese and Japanese products. Visitors can also join seminars and trade talks.
Among the highlights are an ao dai (Vietnam’s traditional long dress) show, demonstrations of the Japanese tea ceremony, origami workshops, and musical performances by acclaimed singers and bands from both nations.
The event serves as a platform for strengthening ties between Vietnam and Japan, following the declaration of Vietnam-Japan relations as a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World” during Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong’s visit to Japan in November 2023, said Tran Phuoc Anh, director of the HCMC Department of External Affairs, at a press conference held on February 29.
Consul General of Japan in HCMC Ono Masuo said Japan hopes for a strong turnout at the festival, and it would be an opportunity to solidify the friendship between Vietnam and Japan.
Last year’s edition of the festival in the city drew nearly 500,000 visitors.
Japan holds a prominent position as an economic partner for Vietnam, ranking second in labor cooperation, third in investment and tourism, and fourth in trade cooperation. Bilateral trade surpassed US$40 billion between January and November of 2023, with Vietnam importing nearly US$20 billion worth of goods from Japan.
Japan’s investment in HCMC had totaled US$5.7 billion in 1,657 projects by the end of 2023, making Japan the city’s third-largest foreign investor.
There are around 22,000 Japanese nationals living, working and studying in Vietnam, and over 500,000 Vietnamese living, studying, and working in Japan.
