Viet Nam, Japan streamline document for bilateral fruit market opening

On May 11, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trinh Viet Hung held a meeting with Mr. Nagasaki Kotaro, Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture (Japan), to discuss agricultural cooperation and promote the bilateral opening of fruit markets.

In his discussions with Governor Nagasaki Kotaro, Minister Trinh Viet Hung stated that the recent visit to Viet Nam by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had left an important mark, contributing to the increasingly deep and extensive cooperation between the two countries.

In particular, during the talks between Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the two sides agreed to accelerate the opening of their markets to Viet Nam’s green-skinned pomelo and Japanese grapes.

Expressing his appreciation for the warm reception by Minister Trinh Viet Hung, Governor Nagasaki Kotaro introduced Yamanashi as one of Japan’s key fruit-producing regions, renowned for products such as grapes and peaches. In particular, the prefecture accounts for more than half of Japan’s total grape production, with its grapes highly regarded for their quality, flavor, and commercial value.

According to Yamanashi authorities, more than 16,000 households are currently engaged in fruit cultivation, mainly grapes and peaches. The prefecture has developed a production system that combines traditional techniques with modern technologies in cultivation, harvesting, storage, and post-harvest by-product processing to improve productivity and product quality.

At the meeting, Governor Nagasaki Kotaro proposed that both sides soon complete procedures to open the market for Japanese grapes and Vietnamese pomelos.

Minister Trinh Viet Hung assessed the proposal as feasible and beneficial to both countries. He assigned the Department of Plant Production and Protection to coordinate with the Japanese side to complete the procedures for announcing the opening of the market for Viet Nam’s pomelo and Japan’s grapes in 2026.

During the meeting, both sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in smart agriculture, low-emission farming, and the development of high-quality agricultural human resources. The Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture would like to share his experience with Vietnam in applying high technology to agricultural product quality management, post-harvest monitoring, and market development.

Minister Trinh Viet Hung stated that Viet Nam is accelerating efforts to fulfill its commitments to reduce agricultural emissions, particularly in rice production. He proposed that Japan consider expanding imports of Viet Nam’s high-quality, low-emission rice, while also enhancing exchanges of experience in modern, resource-efficient, and environmentally friendly farming practices.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to further strengthen connections between localities and businesses to promote effective, mutually beneficial cooperation.