The delegation was welcomed by Izumisano Mayor Chiyomatsu Hiroyasu, vice mayors, and senior officials.
Both sides shared presentations highlighting the strengths and development potential of Gia Lai province and Izumisano City.
Speaking at the meeting, Vice Chairwoman Lịch expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted Gia Lai’s advantages in culture, tourism, agriculture, processing industries, and its young workforce.
She outlined the province’s orientation towards becoming a hub for processing technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, tourism, semiconductor chips, and artificial intelligence.
Infrastructure projects are underway, including procedures to commence construction of the Quy Nhơn-Pleiku Expressway and the upgrade of Phù Cát Airport into an international airport.
“We believe that, with the advantages and development experience of Izumisano City, a dynamic center of the Kansai region, both sides can complement each other and create new value,” Lịch said.
She called for stronger cooperation in tourism, high-tech agriculture, processing industries, education, and training for younger generations, affirming the provincial government’s commitment to support businesses on the principle of mutual development.
The Vice Chairwoman also conveyed greetings and an invitation from Gia Lai Party Secretary Hồ Quốc Dũng and People’s Committee Chairman Phạm Anh Tuấn, inviting Mayor Chiyomatsu to visit Gia Lai in the near future.
It is known that on October 21, 2019, the former People’s Committee of Binh Dinh province and the government of Izumisano City signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in administration, culture, tourism, training, and other fields. Accordingly, both sides have regularly deepened mutual understanding through exchange activities, delegation visits, conferences, seminars, and investment promotion initiatives.
Mayor Chiyomatsu reaffirmed Izumisano City’s desire to strengthen ties with Vietnamese localities.
He recalled the city’s sister-city agreement with Bình Định Province in 2019, supported by the late Professor Katō Hitoshi of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association in Sakai.
He noted that, following administrative reforms, Bình Định Province had been merged with Gia Lai to form a new Gia Lai province, and expressed hope to deepen friendship and cooperation with the people of Gia Lai.
“We sincerely hope this visit will further promote friendly exchanges and cooperation between Izumisano City and Gia Lai province, thereby bringing prosperity and development to both sides,” the mayor said.
The visit concluded with an exchange of souvenirs, marking a warm and friendly atmosphere.