Vietnam and Hokkuren advance human resource training and smart agriculture

On September 6, as part of his working visit to Japan, Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang met with Mr. Shinohara Sueji, Chairman of the Hokuren Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives.

The Acting Minister highly appreciated Hokuren’s role in Japan’s agriculture, emphasizing that its models and experiences serve as valuable references for Vietnam. He noted that Hokkaido is currently one of Japan’s leading agricultural production regions, distinguished by strong management capacity and advanced farming techniques. Meanwhile, Vietnam holds the advantage of being a tropical agricultural country with an abundant young workforce and a vast domestic market.

On that basis, he underlined that the two sides are highly complementary: Hokkaido can provide advanced technologies and cooperative models, while Vietnam offers a large market, a young labor force, and a growing demand for green and sustainable agriculture.

To ensure that cooperation brings about tangible results, the Vietnamese side encouraged Hokuren to work with domestic research institutes such as the Vietnam National University of Agriculture and the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences to implement pilot projects on smart farming in the fields of fruits and vegetables, livestock, and aquaculture. These projects would closely integrate all stages, from production, processing, and preservation to distribution and value chain management, in selected northern provinces.

“Hokuren represents a new-generation cooperative model that links production with processing and consumption. Therefore, we hope Hokuren will join hands in organizing a series of workshops and training programs for leaders of Vietnamese cooperatives. In addition to sharing experience in organization, governance, and farmer linkages, sectoral associations in dairy, fruits and vegetables, and fisheries from both countries could also connect to jointly develop pilot models,” Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang noted.

On human resource development, the Vietnamese side proposed that Hokuren receive technical interns and Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) from Vietnam, while jointly implementing the model “Training – Working in Hokkaido – Returning to Vietnam.” Under this approach, Vietnamese workers would undergo vocational training in Hokkaido and then return home to serve as core members of agricultural cooperatives and enterprises. The program could be linked with Vietnam’s agricultural extension system to apply knowledge and practices learned in Japan, while also aligning with rural youth entrepreneurship initiatives.

“With Hokuren’s valuable experience and Vietnam’s practical needs, I am confident that we can jointly implement concrete cooperation projects that will bring real benefits to both sides. Vietnam stands ready to work closely with Hokuren and to introduce several localities and sectoral associations so that cooperation can begin as early as 2026,” the Acting Minister emphasized.

Appreciating the role of the Vietnamese community living and working in Japan’s agricultural sector, Chairman Shinohara Sueji affirmed that they make a significant contribution to the country’s agricultural production. In many Japanese companies where Vietnamese personnel are regularly involved, they have become effective bridges for cooperation.

“The proposals put forward by the Acting Minister are very much in line with the programs we are currently implementing. Hokuren is ready to cooperate with Vietnam based on the policies and overall direction of the two governments.

Moreover, with our system of research institutes and over 1,000 experienced scientists specializing in crop varieties, I believe Japan and Vietnam have great potential to collaborate in developing new varieties suited to the ecological conditions of both countries,” Chairman Shinohara Sueji stated.

The Hokuren Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives is the largest agricultural cooperative organization in Hokkaido and operates under the JA Group system. Founded in 1919, Hokuren now connects hundreds of local cooperatives, providing comprehensive support to farmers across the entire value chain, from production and the supply of agricultural inputs to processing and the marketing of products.

As a cornerstone of Hokkaido’s agricultural sector, Hokuren plays a leading role in the production of key commodities such as dairy, potatoes, wheat, and sugar beets. Beyond its domestic influence, the organization is widely recognized for pioneering a new-generation cooperative model that closely links production with processing and market access, ensuring both efficiency and sustainability.