Cultural exchange to promote Hoi An-Japan ties

A series of activities will be held during the 11th Hoi An-Japan cultural exchange in the central province of Quang Nam from August 23-25.
They include a photo exhibition showcasing their cooperation over the past ten years, a display of traditional handicrafts, and street art performances.
The annual exchange was initiated in 2003 to mark the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties.
Relations between Vietnam and Japan have developed well in all areas since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1973.
Japan is Vietnam’s third largest trading partner, with two-way trade last year reaching US$25 billion.
It ranks first among foreign investors in Vietnam with approximately 1,800 valid projects capitalized at US$29 billion.
Japan is Vietnam’s largest aid donor, with its official development assistance (ODA) accounting for 30% of the country’s total committed ODA capital.
More than 40,000 Vietnamese people are learning Japanese and the number of those studying in Japan is also the highest among Southeast Asian nations.