On April 27, 2024, the government delegation from Okayama City, Japan was welcomed for a working visit at Long An International Port by Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Chairman of the People’s Council of Long An Province; Mr. Nguyen Minh Lam, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee; together with leaders of Long An Provincial departments and Dongtam Group leader. The event held a significant importance in promoting cooperation and exchange between the two localities.

Okayama City’s government delegation together with Long An provincial leaders during the working visit

The working program between the local governments of Okayama, Japan, and Long An Province took place from April 26 to April 27, 2024. The occasion was graced by the presence of Mr. Omori Masao, Mayor of Okayama City; Mr. Taguchi Hiroshi, Chairman of the Okayama City Council; and Mr. Matsuda Hisashi, Chairman of the Industry and Trade Association, along with 35 enterprises and civil servants from Okayama, Japan. On the side of Long An Province, the provincial representatives were led by Mr. Nguyen Minh Lam, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee; and Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council.

In accordance with the Joint Declaration of Cooperation between Long An Province and Okayama City signed on December 5, 2023 during a labor promotion business trip in December 2023, Long An Province is carrying out its Foreign Affairs Program for 2024. Okayama City’s visit aims to foster trade and enhance areas of cooperation between Japanese and Vietnamese businesses. During this activity, site surveys were organized, businesses were connected, and potential Japanese investors were introduced to industrial parks located in Long An Province.

Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between Long An Business Association and Okayama City Industry and Trade Association

During the event, Long An Business Association and Okayama Industry and Trade Association signed a memorandum of understanding with the purpose of expanding cooperation in the fields of Labor, Industry, Tourism, Education and Culture among businesses.  The agreement aims to share experiences and contribute to improving the investment environment, support surveys, actively support businesses in the two regions to penetrate the market, send inspection delegations, research market development, organize exhibitions, and promote cooperation in exchanging information to further develop joint market analysis and research projects.

In order to gain a better understanding of the projects and opportunities for collaboration, the delegation toured the facilities of Long An International Port, including the berths, warehouse system, industrial park, service area, urban area, and the highest flagpole in Indochina. The Mayor of Okayama City expressed his praise for Long An International Port’s impressive operational capacity, thoughtful investment in the most modern technology, and strategic position and development strategy. In response to inquiries concerning the export and import market at Long An International Port as well as local legal support, a port spokesperson stated: “Because the port is entirely funded by private capital, the local government and community is entirely supportive as the port spearheads development of the area even without State funding. Its strategic location relative to the Mekong Delta provinces, makes it ideal for saving transportation and logistics costs for businesses. The Ministry of Transport has recognized the great value of the port and has accordingly planned many traffic routes to the port as the export-import market through the port serves all countries around the world.” These factors make Long An International Port a significant and attractive destination for businesses and investors, emphasizing its importance in the international trade map.

The Chairman of the Okayama City Industry and Trade Association put emphasis on views regarding investment and development opportunities. He highlighted that the scale of the Port is not only adequate for transporting goods but also creates a favorable business environment for the region and Asia. The development of Long An International Port is not only an opportunity for the local community but also a significant benefit for the entire business and trading community.

The event successfully concluded, marking a new development step in the relationship between Long An Province and Okayama City, as well as strengthening the friendship and bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Japan. This is an important milestone that opens up many new cooperation opportunities in fields such as trade, investment, labor, tourism, and others to help businesses in the two localities connect and seek business cooperation opportunities, contributing to attracting foreign investment into Long An Province.

Working session and exchange between Okayama City Government Delegation and Long An Provincial Leaders at the Main Office, Long An International Port

Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Chairman of Long An Provincial People’s Council, along with Provincial Leaders, Dongtam Group Leaders and Okayama City Delegation took souvenir photos at the event

Okayama City Government Delegation and Long An Province Leaders during the working visit at Long An International Port

Long An International Port warmly welcomed the esteemed delegation with meticulous and courteous diplomatic protocols.

Okayama City Government Delegation with leaders of Long An Province, Dongtam Group, and Long An International Port.

A representative of the Okayama City Business Delegation inquired about the Port’s operations and service priorities.