Strengthening strategic cooperation between Dong Nai and METI - Kyushu

On September 24, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) – Kyushu in Fukuoka province, the Japan Desk of Dong Nai province, together with local infrastructure companies, held an important working session with METI – Kyushu and Japanese enterprises.

Dong Nai delegation, led by Pham Viet Phuong, Deputy Head in charge of the Dong Nai Industrial and Economic Zones Authority (DIEZA) and Head of the Japan Desk, presented investment opportunities in the province’s strategic industrial zones.

Overview of the working session between the Japan Desk delegation and METI - Kyushu. Photo: Huu Duc

Strategic connection between Dong Nai and Kyushu

Kyushu is the third largest island of Japan, comprising seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, and Saga. With a population of approximately 13 million and an area of 35,640 km², Kyushu boasts a strong economy, particularly in sectors such as automotive, semiconductors, heavy industry, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aerospace.

In the aviation sector, Kyushu has three prominent industrial clusters: QAN (Kyushu Aerospace Network), focusing on research and development of aviation technology, especially aircraft engines; FAIN (Fukuoka Aircraft Industry Network), linking aviation enterprises in Fukuoka prefecture; and NAIC (Nagasaki Aerospace Industrial Cluster), specializing in the production and assembly of aerospace components, with participation from major companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and IHI Corporation.

Kyushu currently has 24 enterprises certified with JIS Q 9100, the international quality management standard for aerospace, enabling the production of aerospace components.

The Dong Nai delegation is introduced by METI – Kyushu to an exhibition showcasing signature products from the Kyushu region of Japan. Photo: Huu Duc

Meanwhile, Dong Nai is among the leading provinces in Vietnam in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), with over USD 41.4 billion across more than 2,200 projects from 51 countries and territories. Of these, Japan currently has around 285 investment projects in Dong Nai, with a total registered capital of nearly USD 6 billion.

Dong Nai currently is home to 81 industrial zones and 63 planned industrial clusters, covering a total area of over 42,000 hectares. New industrial zones such as Xuan Que - Song Nhan, Bau Can - Tan Hiep, and Long Duc 3 are being developed with a focus on green industry, high-tech, and supporting industries.

Prospects for sustainable cooperation

During the working session, Deputy Head in charge of the DIEZA Pham Viet Phuong proposed cooperation with METI - Kyushu to jointly promote investment in Kyushu’s strong sectors, particularly in semiconductors and aviation.

Deputy Head in charge of the DIEZA Pham Viet Phuong also pledged that Dong Nai province would facilitate Japanese enterprises’ access to clean land, prioritize high-tech and environmentally friendly projects, and ensure stable policies and comprehensive support for investors.

Katsunori Otsu, Director of the International Project Promotion Division of METI - Kyushu, highly appreciated Dong Nai’s rapid development potential and regarded it as an ideal location for Japanese investment, especially in supporting industries, semiconductors, and aviation. He noted that enterprises in Kyushu are eager to invest in Vietnam, particularly in Dong Nai, which benefits from convenient transportation infrastructure and proximity to Ho Chi Minh City.

Nguyen Huu Duc, Secretary of the Japan Desk, suggested that METI - Kyushu introduce a model Japanese enterprise to attract other businesses to invest in Dong Nai. This proposal received high consensus from both sides, with plans for further exchanges via online meetings to implement specific future cooperation issues.

This working session marks an important milestone in promoting investment cooperation between Dong Nai province and Kyushu. With strengths in strategic industries and a sustainable development orientation, both sides expect to build an efficient supply chain, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to the economic development of both localities.

The two sides also discussed moving towards signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Japan Desk, the units of METI - Kyushu, and Dong Nai infrastructure companies – KN Holdings, which is developing multiple strategic industrial zones in Dong Nai such as Long Duc 3 (244 ha), Nam Long Thanh, and Dong Long Thanh (each with phase 1 covering 1,000 ha). According to the proposal, the MOU would be valid for three years, focusing on supporting Japanese enterprises, especially small and medium enterprises, to invest in Vietnam through incentives such as land leasing, infrastructure fee exemptions, and legal and human resource support. The MOU is expected to provide a solid legal basis for implementing specific cooperation activities, including investment promotion conferences, market information sharing, and investor support.

Dong Nai delegation presents gifts and takes photos with METI - Kansai. Photo: Huu Duc

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to consider organizing a joint investment promotion conference in Japan in the near future, with a focus on the semiconductor, aviation, automotive, and high-tech agriculture sectors. This undertaking is regarded as an important starting point for a deepening cooperation chain between Dong Nai and Kyushu, contributing to the strong momentum in Vietnam–Japan economic relations.

By Viet Phuong, Huu Duc – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho