At the function, Thanh expressed delight with the evolution of Vietnam-Japan relations, noting that the relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership in March, opening the pathway for enhanced relations in the coming time.

Roughly 520 Japanese companies are now operating in Hanoi, she said, adding they have invested more than US$4.6 billion in the Vietnamese economy, accounting for 22% of the nation’s total foreign investment.

The Japanese companies have generated 135,000 jobs in Vietnam, significantly contributing to boosting the local economy, she continued.

Chairwoman Thanh also voiced her desire that relations between the two cities will be further developed by both high-level exchange visits and Japanese investment in such fields as infrastructure development, cultural exchange and tourism.

Chairman Tosho Matsuo, in turn hailed the achievements in the cooperative relations between the two nations and the two cities.

He extended an invitation to a delegation from Hanoi municipal People’s Council to visit Fukuoka in the future to strengthen solidarity, friendship and mutual understanding among the peoples as well as sharing experiences in all fields.

Tosho Matsuo said that the environment is an important issue which has directly affected people’s lives in Fukuoka. He said he has high expectations that Fukuoka and Hanoi can join hands in addressing environmental pollution.

On the occasion, the Hanoi municipal People’s Council and the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly agreed to sign an agreement on promoting exchange and friendship to contribute to the cultural and economic development of the two cities based on mutual trust and respect. Under the agreement, they will conduct exchanges in such fields as economics, culture, transport and the environment.