Japanese Mabuchi Motor Viet Nam, which manufactures small electric motors, employs 6,500 workers in Bien Hoa Industrial Zone in southern Dong Nai province. — VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — The provincial authorities of Tra Vinh have called for Japanese investment in 19 major projects in agriculture, forestry and aqua-culture during a seminar in HCM City on Tuesday.

Representatives from Tra Vinh said the province has been attracting investment for projects that would breed tra fish for export along the Tien (Anterior Mekong) and Hau (Posterior Mekong) rivers.

The province called for an investment of VND600 billion (US$28.4 million) for a project to grow fruit trees on 5,000ha, and another investment of VND300 billion for a project to cultivate hi-quality rice for export.

Tra Vinh also asked Japanese firms to invest in building facilities in the province's industrial parks such as Dinh An, Cau Quan and Co Chien.

Dong Van Lam, deputy chairman of the Tra Vinh People's Committee, said the province would take measures to curb hindrances facing the province's economic development such as underdeveloped infrastructure.

Administrative reforms will be further enhanced to create favourable conditions for investors, said Lam.

Tra Vinh University, which has established cooperative relations with 62 partners from 11 countries and territories around the world, will be able to supply a high-quality labour force for investors, he said.

In addition, preferential tax rates will be offered to investors that come to Tra Vinh, located 120km from HCM City, he added.

Tra Vinh's Long Duc Industrial Park has 26 tenants, including 12 foreign-invested enterprises and 14 others invested by local companies, with total investment of VND2,027 billion (US$96 million). — VNS