On the morning of September 10th, at the Hall of Saigon Port Joint Stock Company, the ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary of the relationship between Saigon Port and Osaka Port takes place in a solemn and warm atmosphere, marking three decades of bilateral cooperation between two major ports of Vietnam and Japan. This is not only an occasion to look backwards on the journey thus far but also an opportunity to honor the spirit of collaboration, solidarity, and sustainable development, contributing to the strengthening of the friendship between two ports, two cities, two nations of Vietnam and Japan.
The Japanese delegates take photos with the leadership of Saigon Port at the commemorative plaque prior to the ceremony.
The ceremony is held with the presence of numerous senior representatives from both Vietnam and Japan, underscoring the significance of this relationship. On the Vietnamese side, notable attendees included Mr. Vo Van Hoan – Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee; Mr. Nguyen Hai Nam – Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Maritime Administration; Mr. Le Truong Duy – Senior Trainee Officer and Director of the Foreign Service Center under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs; Mrs. Nguyen Thi My Hanh – Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of District 4, Ho Chi Minh City; and Mrs. Nguyen Hong Thanh – Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh Museum – Ho Chi Minh City Branch. The leadership of Saigon Port and the Vietnam Seaports Association (VPA) are also in attendance.
Senior Vietnamese and Japanese delegates attend the event on September 10th morning at the Saigon Port Hall.
On the Japanese side, the celebration is attended by Mr. ONO Masuo – Consul General at the Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City and Mr. Shinji Tomoda – Director of Strategy Development of Osaka Port. Especially, the presence of both Osaka Port and Kobe Port representatives further emphasizes Japan’s strong interest in collaborating on infrastructure and logistics development in Vietnam.
The Osaka Port and Kobe Port representatives, together with Mr. Tran Ngoc Thach (far left) – Deputy General Director of Saigon Port.
Upon profound similarities in historical significance and tradition, as well as compatibility in geographic location, economic, social, and political values, Saigon Port of Vietnam and Osaka Port of Japan have found a meaningful connection. With the aim of establishing and developing a strong, cooperative relationship, the leadership of both ports signed the Sister-Port Agreement in 1994, opening a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
The sister-port signing ceremony between Saigon Port and Osaka Port took place on November 25th, 1994, in Ho Chi Minh City.
The establishment of the commemorative plaque at Saigon Port.
Thirty years have passed, yet the common ideals and goals have continuously been preserved, nurtured, and developed by the leadership of both ports. The cooperation programs have not only provided practical benefits to two ports but have also made significant contributions to the local business communities, further strengthening the relationship between Ho Chi Minh City and Osaka City. Thereby, the comprehensive friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan have become even more sustainable and bonding.
The Celebration of the 20th anniversary of the relationship between two ports of Vietnam and Japan.
Throughout this journey, the generations of leadership of both ports have always appreciated, preserved and developed this cooperative relationship through many practical activities such as reciprocal visits, technical exchanges conferences and seminars on port operations. Those have all been solid steps toward strengthening bilateral relations, marking a sustainable and effective connection.
Technical exchange between Saigon Port and Osaka Port in 2011.
Mr. Huynh Van Cuong (second row, far left) – Chairman of the Board of Saigon Port, attended the conference in Kobe port city, Japan, in February 2017.
Mr. Vo Hoang Giang (far right) – Former Party Secretary and Vice Chairman of the Board of Saigon Port and Mr. Nguyen Le Chon Tam (second from the left) – General Director of Saigon Port participated in a technical exchange in Japan from August 21th to 23th, 2023, focusing on the topics of ‘Port Business,’ ‘Carbon Emission Reduction,’ and ‘Smart Ports’.
Mr. Nguyen Le Chon Tam – General Director of Saigon Port gives statements at the ceremony: “The contributions of Saigon Port and Osaka Port through this relationship are not only for the two ports’ benefits but also support the promotion of trade and the development of the friendly and cooperative relations between two cities, two nations Vietnam and Japan, according to shared aspirations, which we believe is very meaningful in the previous period and the current situation.”
Mr. Nguyen Le Chon Tam – General Director of Saigon Port speaks at the 30th anniversary of the relationship between two ports.
On behalf of Japan, Mr. ONO Masuo – Consul General at the Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, expresses his appreciation for the warm reception from the Vietnamese side and affirms: “The close bond between two ports serves as a vital bridge in promoting economic relations between Vietnam and Japan in logistics. Both Japan and Vietnam are nations with long coastlines, ensuring the seamless and safe maritime transportation holds important economic and national security implications.”
Mr. ONO Masuo – Consul General at the Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City expresses his appreciation at the celebration.
With the proud accomplishments over the past 30 years, the relationship between Saigon Port and Osaka Port will undoubtedly continue to develop, further raising the status of both ports within the international maritime network, while also promoting common prosperity for both Vietnam and Japan.
Mr. Nguyen Le Chon Tam (second from left) and Mr. Huynh Van Cuong (far right) present memento to the Consulate General of Japan and Osaka Port representatives.
On behalf of the city government, Mr. Vo Van Hoan – Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, expresses his deep appreciation for Saigon Port’s contributions to the city’s overall development. In the upcoming time, Mr. Vo Van Hoan expects that Saigon Port and Osaka Port will continue to cooperate in the Can Gio International Transshipment and Gateway Port Project, supporting Ho Chi Minh City to achieve sustainable sea-oriented economy.
Mr. Vo Van Hoan – Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee gives statements at the ceremony.
The leadership of Saigon Port, together with the representatives from Japan, presents meaningful memento to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the relationship between two ports, two nations.
The ceremony concluded with a toasting ritual to celebrate the collaboration in the new period, opening a promising new chapter in the bilateral relationship between two ports and further achievements and development opportunities in the future.
Vietnamese and Japanese delegates together raise their glasses to celebrate the cooperation between two representative ports.
The ceremony takes place successfully.
Thai Vuong Nhi
Photos: Administration Department
