Da Nang - Japan cooperative relationship increasingly becomes strong, trustworthy, and effective

A strategic investment destination

With a newly expanded development space and increasingly open investment attraction policies, new Da Nang is opening the door to strategic cooperation with Japan, thereby contributing to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

According to the survey of Japanese enterprises operating worldwide in 2024 by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Viet Nam ranked highest among ASEAN countries in terms of Japanese companies’ desire to expand business. In the Asia - Oceania region, Viet Nam ranked third. This reflected the growth potential and attractiveness of the Vietnamese market.

Mr. Ozasa Haruhiko, Chief Representative of JETRO, said that Japanese enterprises wanted to expand their investment in domestic food production, food and beverage services, and logistics, trade and finance.

Mr. Ozasa Haruhiko stressed the need for Viet Nam to have a more diversified and sustainable growth strategy, with focus on promoting domestic consumption, public investment and regional economic development, and supporting startups activities.

Currently, many investors consider Da Nang to be a very potential market in such spheres as manufacturing, tourism, and information technology, and the city is expected to become an important center in Japan - Viet Nam cooperation.

“We will continue to promote our role as an economic and trade bridge, concentrating on supporting cooperation between Japanese and Vietnamese enterprises, including supporting creative start-up activities and developing high-quality human resources” said Mr. Ozasa Haruhiko.

With its potential and advantages, Da Nang has become a strategic destination for many large Japanese corporations and enterprises, including AEON Mall Vietnam Co., Ltd. The AEON Mall Da Nang located in Thanh Khe Ward is expected to open in the second quarter of 2026, with a total business area of ​​33,000m².

Mr. Okada Masaki, Director of AEON Mall Management Board in Central Viet Nam said that Da Nang is oriented to be a hub for trade, services, finance, tourism, and innovation in Southeast Asia. This is a development vision that is very suitable for AEON Mall's expansion strategy in Asia.

Furthermore, Da Nang’s central location, growing development space, rapid economic growth, and young population make it an ideal destination for large-scale AEON Mall projects.

"We hope that the municipal government will increase regular dialogue with businesses and investors to promptly share and resolve difficulties" Mr. Okada Masaki proposed.

According to Mr. Hirayama Keiji, Chairman of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Da Nang (JCCID), in recent years, the central city has remained an attractive destination for many foreign investors, including the Japanese business community. Many large Japanese projects are operating effectively in the city, contributing to strongly promoting the local socio-economic development.

However, investment procedures remain a challenge. Mr. Hirayama Keiji voiced his hope that the Da Nang authorities will accelerate administrative reforms, streamline processes for investment licensing, and provide timely support to enterprises facing difficulties.

A trusted partner

On the bilateral level, Da Nang has to date established friendly ties and carried out cooperation programmes with over 22 prefectures and cities across Japan. In terms of economic collaboration, Japan is the leading country in terms of registered investment capital in the city with 261 projects totaling more than USD 1.14 billion in registered capital.

In the tourism sector, Japan has always been a traditional and stable tourist source for Viet Nam in general and Da Nang in particular. In 2024, the number of Japanese visitors to Da Nang tripled compared to the same period in 2023.

Da Nang is entering a new phase of development with the goal of becoming a national hub for science - technology development, innovation, and high-quality services in the country. In that process, the city continues to regard Japan as a reliable partner playing a vital role in its long-term strategic vision.

Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Ito Naoki emphasized that during the official visit to Viet Nam in April 2025 by Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, the two countries' top leaders established a new pillar of cooperation in science - technology and innovation. This demonstrates the sharing of long-term vision, common strategic interests, and the desire for innovation of both sides in the new era of development. Da Nang, he noted, is well-positioned to promote cooperation in these areas.

During the "Meet Japan” programme, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi expressed the city’s strong desire to deepen collaboration with Japanese partners in building an innovation ecosystem, particularly in information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and smart city building.

The city also encouraged R&D linkage programmes, technology transfer, startup support and investment in innovation centers.

In addition, the city called for greater cooperation between airlines, travel agencies, and relevant authorities from both sides to promote the launch of new air routes connecting Da Nang with cities across Japan, thereby enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism.

With the companionship of Japanese partners, Da Nang not only realizes its development vision but also contributes to further deepening the Viet Nam - Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the new era, towards a prosperous, sustainable and harmonious future between the two nations.