The Vietnam business association made its debut in Tokyo on November 8 in an effort to boost the two countries’ economic and trade ties. The association’s establishment opens up greater opportunities for cooperation between its members and Japanese companies, and serves as a bridge linking investors in both countries Addressing the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Doan Xuan Hung noted the association debuted at a time when Vietnam-Japan relations are developing well. He said he hopes it will inspire the two countries’ business communities to strengthen cooperation in trade, economics, science, technology, culture, and education. He cited the ceremony’s impressive attendance of hundreds of leading Japanese executives as proof of their enthusiasm for exploring Vietnamese opportunities. Association President Dinh Ngoc Hai said his agency intends to earn a reputation as a reliable and effective partner of commercial and community organisations in both countries. Hai also presented gifts and a certificate acknowledging Ambassador Hung’s contributions to the association’s Japanese launch. Former Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association President Tsutomu Takebe echoed the affirmation of the association’s destined success in promoting economic exchanges and technology transfer and drawing Vietnam and Japan closer together. Established in Tokyo on September 2, 2013, the 32-member Vietnam Business Association in Japan operates in various trades, including medical equipment manufacturing, software import-export, and aviation. VOV