Today, more than 20 years after the Doi Moi reforms were initiated, Vietnam continues to experience remarkable development. Within this context, it has become increasingly meaningful that exchange takes place not only at the central government level but also at the local government level. Accordingly, this project aims to provide an impetus for promoting mutual understanding and exchange between local government officials of the two countries and to foster sustainable exchange programs.
In fiscal 2007 workshops for cities that began exchange activities the preceding year were held, namely, between the cities of Viettri and Kashihara (held in Kashihara on the theme of tourism promotion capitalizing on historic site preservation and traditional festivals) and between Thaibinh Province and the city of Iwaki (held in Iwaki on the theme of industrial transformation).
Beginning in fiscal 2007 two new pairs of municipalities were selected: the cities of Quynhon, Binh Dinh Province, and Kitakyushu along with the city of Da Lat, Lam Dong Province, and the town of Fujikawaguchiko. Site tours and exchange workshops between each pair were conducted and exchange workshops were held three times each pertaining to issues shared by the respective cities.