Ho Chi Minh City seeks Hyogo investment as workforce ties expand
A student networking event drew 15 Hyogo companies, while the two localities also discussed tourism cooperation.
Ho Chi Minh City is seeking help from Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture to attract Japanese investment and strengthen business links. Vice-chairman Nguyen Cong Vinh raised the proposals with Ogiso Hiroyasu, head of Hyogo Prefecture’s Economic and Tourism Center, during the city’s 2026 Autumn Economic Forum.
Vinh identified logistics, supporting industries, green industries and high-tech manufacturing as investment priorities. The city also wants local companies to participate in supply chains and build their presence in Japan, while learning from Hyogo’s experience with hydrogen energy, green technologies and industrial digitalisation.
Japan ranked third among the city’s investors, which came from 152 countries and territories. At August 31, Japanese investors accounted for 2,346 projects, representing approximately US$15.36 billion in registered capital.
Hyogo’s workforce cooperation included an October networking event at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. Representatives of 15 companies presented recruitment information and job opportunities in construction, architecture, mechanical engineering and information technology. The initiative aims to connect Vietnamese students with careers in Japan and help employers identify suitable candidates.
Tourism talks addressed cooperation between travel businesses, sustainable tourism products of high quality and greater visitor exchanges. Hyogo also hopes to introduce its attractions, specialties and heritage to Ho Chi Minh City, and showcase Vietnamese tourism and culture in Japan.
Relations between the two localities date to 2007. Hyogo is scheduled to host the eighth Ho Chi Minh City-Hyogo Economic Forum on November 10, after Ho Chi Minh City hosted the seventh edition in 2025.
