This project aims to foster sustainable exchange and cooperation by providing a platform where people involved in local nonprofit organizations in Japan and Vietnam can meet and share their experiences.
In September 2007, nine people from Quang Nam and two other provinces in Vietnam visited several locations in Japan, including the cities of Minamiboso and Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture and Kashihara and Gojo in Nara Prefecture. During their visit the delegates made firsthand observations of the cooperative efforts between civic groups and government authorities in such endeavors as the promotion of organic agriculture and construction of "roadside stations" (areas along roads to provide rest for drivers and promote local industry).
Then, in November 4 Japanese representatives and approximately 80 Vietnamese representatives met in Quang Nam Province to discuss the feasibility of applying these initiatives in Vietnam. Following the meeting the participants toured local areas and agreed to attempt a model, small-scale project to build a roadside station in the province.
The groundwork has now been laid to begin a model project that applies Japanese localities' experiences in Quang Nam, which is considered to be an important step in building a sustained relationship among the regions participating in this project.