Japan Pledges to Help Build Metro Route in Vietnam

Japan will help Vietnam’s southern province of Binh Duong build a metro route linking it with Suoi Tien in Ho Chi Minh City, said Takumi Onuma, an official from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Mr. Onuma made the statement during a working session with Binh Duong authorities on February 27. He highlighted Binh Duong’s potential for urban and industrial development, adding that Japanese investment policy makers are ready to support Binh Duong’s strategic projects, especially those on urban and infrastructure development. Tran Thanh Liem, vice chairman of the provincial People’s Committee said Japan’s development cooperation and investment has paid well over the past years. The province hoped for closer cooperation with the Japanese side to carry out key infrastructure projects to build its first-tier city as approved by the government, Mr. Liem added. The Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro route will run through districts 1, 2, 9, Binh Thanh, Thu Duc in the city and part of Di An district in neighboring Binh Duong. Less than 3km of the subway line will run underground with three stations and the remaining sections will be constructed above the ground with 11 stations. (Kinh Te Vietnam The Gioi Feb 28 p8, An Ninh Thu Do Feb 28 p17, vov.vn Feb 28)