Aichi Prefecture stands as a premier national manufacturing engine and has consistently led Japan in the value of industrial product shipments for over four decades, with a GRDP of approximately USD 370 billion and a population of 7.5 million. Renowned as a global engineering hub, the prefecture's distinctive economic character is closely tied to a formidable network of industrial mega-clusters that drive core supply chains, focusing concurrently on a modern mechanical ecosystem ranging from automotive and aerospace manufacturing to future industries such as smart robotics and next-generation electronic devices. Alongside its outstanding manufacturing capabilities, Aichi firmly positions itself as an international trade hub, supported by a comprehensive logistics network anchored by two key driving infrastructures: the Nagoya international transit port and the Chubu Centrair International Airport.
Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Dung presents a souvenir to Ms. Hirose Noriko, Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Ambassador in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. - Photo: Sai Gon Giai Phong
Over the past decade, cooperation between the two localities has yielded many remarkable and practical results. In terms of the economy, Aichi Prefecture has consistently maintained vital foreign direct investment flows into Ho Chi Minh City, directly connecting supply chains between Japan's major supporting industry enterprises and industrial parks in the City. On the cultural and tourism fronts, the signature "Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City Festival in Aichi" held periodically in Nagoya has become one of Vietnam's largest people-to-people diplomacy and destination promotion events in Japan, supported by leading tourism conglomerates such as Saigontourist Group. Notably, both sides have maintained a close high-level delegation exchange mechanism while expanding comprehensive cooperation into high-tech healthcare and nurse training.
Looking toward the future, particularly within the framework of the 3rd Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue in 2026 (FD 2026), the City is widening its corridors to attract direct investment (FDI) and foster strategic alliances with partners from Aichi Prefecture in five key sectors:
1. Automotive Manufacturing and Precision Machinery: Attracting investment in component manufacturing, transferring automation and smart robotics technologies, and developing premium supporting industries.
2. Logistics Infrastructure and Smart Transportation: Collaborating to exchange solutions for multimodal warehousing operations, connecting maritime and air cargo flows based on experiences from Aichi's international seaports and airports.
3. Tourism Economy and Cultural Industry Promotion: Maximizing the impact of the Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City Festival in Aichi to increase two-way tourist flows and promote large-scale cultural and artistic exchange projects.
4. Healthcare and Biotechnology: Partnering in the transfer of medical management solutions and next-generation healthcare equipment, alongside joint programs for high-quality nurse training.
5. Innovation and Green Transition: Connecting R&D centers, promoting the transfer of low-emission manufacturing technologies, and developing eco-friendly clean energy models.