On the occasion of this Seminar, we would like to suggest Japanese Government, companies and experts to give further assistance for mass transit development of HCMC. Though the current situation of urban development meets a lot of difficulties, we are certain that the close cooperation relationship in this area will make significant contribution into improvement of urban transport in the coming years. We wish you to be healthy and the Seminar successful.
2.1.2. Opening Remarks by Mr.Wataru Hayashi, Japanese Consul General in HCMC
It is my great pleasure to make a brief speech at this seminar on mass transit development strategy in HCMC. Since my inception of the duty here in HCMC two years ago, how to develop a mass transit system in HCMC has been one of my greatest interests.
With a population of nearly 6 million, HCM is a unique city for its history, culture and many other distinct elements. But to me, the most struggling uniqueness of this attractive city is that it totally lacks a good public transportation system. It's wondered that millions of people are moving everyday from one place to another by mostly motorcycles and other private means of transportation, although I recognize some bus transit services exist. As a result, there is one interesting phenomenon: people don't move much on foot.
Under such circumstances, most of the people would agree that to develop a sound means of public transportation such as trains, buses is now of the most importance for future development of HCMC, which is at the threshold of the full spread of motorization. Up to now, however, I don't think I have encountered a good master plan-typed study on urban train network in HCMC.
I regard this seminar extremely significant and very important step for a sound and critical development of HCMC mass transit system. We know there are many experiences of urban mass transit development projects not only in Tokyo, but also in Singapore, Bangkok and Manila, from which we could learn good lessons including major necessities for environmental protection.
I sincerely hope that today's seminar turns up very successful.
2.1.3. Opening Remarks by Mr.Tetsuro Yamashita, President of Japan Transport Cooperation Association
It is a great honor and pleasure for me to open this seminar on mass transit development strategy in HCMC. On behalf of Japan Transport Cooperation Association, the hosting organization of this seminar, I would like to extend my sincere welcome to all of you here today.
Let me begin by explaining a little bit about our organization.
