Japanese Businesses Seek to Expand Investment and Workforce Cooperation in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City held a Japanese investment promotion conference on November 12, connecting businesses in manufacturing, supporting industries, auto parts and workforce supply. Japanese companies expressed interest in expanding locally and called for clearer information on investment procedures, land access and tax incentives.
On November 12, the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) and Japan’s Gunma Bank held the 2026 Japanese Investment Promotion Conference in Ho Chi Minh City. The event brought businesses from both sides together to discuss cooperation in manufacturing, supporting industries, auto parts, agriculture, food processing, trade, services and workforce supply.
Gunma Bank General Manager Fukai Akihiko speaks at the Japanese Investment Promotion Conference on November 12.（VietVance）
Gunma Bank General Manager Fukai Akihiko said Vietnam currently has the most active business market among the bank’s corporate clients. He said Vietnam’s workforce and geographic location support the development of the automotive, electronics and garment industries, while information technology, digital services, tourism and hospitality also offer opportunities for cooperation. Companies from Gunma Prefecture previously sought mainly manufacturing workers, but demand for information technology and digital talent is now growing.
Yosen Kogyo General Manager Yoshinori Wakatabe said his company has more than 10 years of experience in Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh City’s development and young population have drawn its attention to further business opportunities there. ITPC Deputy Director Cao Thị Phi Vân said Japanese companies’ strengths in technology, machinery, materials and quality management could complement Ho Chi Minh City businesses’ production, processing and supply capabilities. Potential areas of cooperation include electronics and semiconductors, automobiles, green transport and food processing.
Japanese business representatives also called for more support with investment procedures, land access and incentive policies. Yoshinori Wakatabe urged the relevant authorities to explain regulations more clearly and provide businesses with guidance, adding that tax incentives and land support would help companies establish factories in Vietnam. Fukai Akihiko said Gunma Bank has opened a representative office with permanent staff in Ho Chi Minh City to help Japanese businesses connect with Vietnamese government agencies. The Gunma prefectural government and the bank have organized an economic promotion delegation to Vietnam for four consecutive years.
Source: VietVance
