Japan assists Vietnam in eco-city projects

At a meeting with the leader of Binh Duong Province on Wednesday, the visiting Japanese official said Vietnam is strongly promoting the development of urban infrastructure with attention to eco-cities. Therefore, Japan will provide Vietnam with technical support and personnel training to develop modern and eco-friendly urban areas.

“Japan is experienced in developing eco-cities. We will share our experience with Vietnam,” said Hata.

This is the first time that Hata has paid a visit to Vietnam. Binh Duong is chosen as the first destination for the delegation of Japanese high-ranking officials.

The Japanese minister said he had heard of the striking development of Binh Duong and wanted to survey this province.

“Through our survey at the ongoing Binh Duong New City project, we find that this project will be great success in the future. Therefore, Japan’s government will assist Japanese firms investing in this urban area,” Hata committed.

He is very supportive of the Tokyu Binh Duong Garden City project developed by the joint venture between Tokyu Corporation and Becamex IDC. The success of this project will promote other urban projects with participation of Japanese investors in the coming time, said Hata.

He informed several Japanese investors had shown interest in eco-urban projects in Vietnam.

Binh Duong chairman Le Thanh Cung pledged to facilitate the Becamex Tokyu joint venture to deploy its project on schedule.

Apart from the US$1.2-billion developed by this joint venture, Japan is studying another eco-urban project in Binh Duong, which is part of the plan for developing satellite cities by Japanese investors.

Since the middle of this year, Japan has joined hands with several ministries and localities, such as Hanoi, Vinh Phuc and Binh Duong, to organize workshops on the development of eco-cities in Vietnam. Hundreds of businesses, investors and urban development agencies from both countries have attended such events to look for cooperation chances.

Eco-city projects will be developed on funds provided by Japanese leading firms, using modern technology, forming large-scale eco-friendly and energy-saving cities connected to the core urban areas through the system of roads, railways and subways.