Vietnam provides ideal investment environment:
Japan trade organisation

Vietnam has an ideal investment environment, ranking second in Asia after China, said the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

The Republic of Korea ranked third followed by India, Malaysia and Singapore. JETRO in its recently issued report added that Vietnam's political stability and abundant labour force were important factors attracting Japan's investment.

In 2001, around 62% of Japanese businesses in Vietnam were earning profits with goods turnout making up 41.9% in Vietnam market's share.

Vietnam attracted US $2.47 billion in foreign investment capital last year with US $163 million coming from Japan which was ranked fifth among Vietnam's foreign investors behind the Netherlands, France, Singapore, and Taiwan.

JETRO forecasts that Japan's exports to Vietnam could increase by 61.5% in 2002.

Earlier, the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) announced that Vietnam is now considered a safer place than anywhere else in the region for foreign investment. (VNA)