Vietnam and North Korea step up cooperation in agriculture and fisheries

On September 29, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung met with Mr. Ri Sung Guk, North Korean Ambassador to Vietnam, to discuss opportunities for cooperation in agriculture.

Reviewing the achievements of agricultural collaboration between the two countries, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung emphasized the key role of crop production, particularly rice. In recent years, Vietnam has transferred many high-quality rice varieties along with advanced cultivation techniques, while also welcoming delegations of North Korean experts to work in Vietnam. These efforts have helped strengthen agricultural production capacity and deepen cooperation between the two nations.

Sharing about the domestic situation, Ambassador Ri Sung Guk stated that North Korea identifies agriculture as a central focus for development and cooperation. The country is implementing comprehensive development policies, promoting production lines and mechanization. At the same time, the Government is working to establish processing complexes combined with aquaculture and marine farming.

“The agricultural sector in North Korea still faces many challenges due to harsh climate conditions, the lack of well-adapted rice varieties, and limited arable land. We are planning to build an irrigation system for 300,000 hectares of farmland; however, soil salinity remains a major obstacle to production,” he noted.

Based on this foundation, the Ambassador expressed his wish that Vietnam would assist North Korea in enhancing rice varieties and restructuring crop patterns. The goal, he noted, is to shorten the cultivation cycle while still ensuring healthy rice growth and stable yields. At the same time, the North Korean side conveyed particular interest in Vietnam’s experience and technologies for treating saline soil - an important solution not only to maximize productivity but also to safeguard the agricultural environment for sustainable development.

“I am deeply impressed by Vietnam’s freshwater salmon farming models as well as the country’s advanced agricultural practices,” he emphasized. “There is significant potential for us to broaden cooperation in aquaculture and marine farming. Specifically, coastal bays can be developed into key areas for intensive cultivation, while enterprises from both sides strengthen their networks, increase exchanges, and promote trade in processed agricultural products. This would contribute to expanding markets and generating economic benefits for both nations.”

Acknowledging North Korea’s efforts in agricultural development, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung pledged that Vietnam would support the improvement and development of new crop varieties suited to North Korea’s climatic conditions, particularly drought- and salt-tolerant rice strains.

In the fisheries sector, Vietnam is ready to transfer aquaculture techniques for both inland and marine farming, as well as provide guidance on fishing and seafood processing methods. In addition, Vietnamese enterprises stand prepared to supply broodstock and animal feed, helping North Korea establish an integrated aquaculture production chain that delivers strong economic returns.

“We look forward to soon transferring processing technologies to help North Korea enhance the value of its agricultural products. In the field of mechanization, especially rice cultivation, Vietnam will provide assistance within its means and resources. Furthermore, Vietnam will dispatch experts to engage in exchanges whenever North Korea has the need, so that together we can realize the four priority directions of cooperation,” the Deputy Minister affirmed.

Over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations (January 31, 1950 – January 31, 2025), the traditional friendship between the two Parties and peoples, initiated by President Ho Chi Minh and President Kim Il Sung, has been carefully nurtured and strengthened through successive generations of leaders. This enduring relationship has successfully navigated numerous historical challenges, hardships, and fluctuations, reflecting the deep-rooted solidarity and mutual respect between Vietnam and North Korea.

Agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and North Korea has also developed through several distinct phases. During the period from 1950 to 1970, support focused on manpower and essential supplies to aid North Korea during wartime. From 1990 to 2000, assistance shifted toward the provision of rice and other vital goods in response to humanitarian difficulties. In the current phase, from 2010 to the present, collaboration emphasizes the transfer of modern techniques and the sharing of practical experience in irrigation, rice cultivation, and land management. Beyond supplying materials and technical guidance, Vietnam has actively organized exchanges of experts and students, helping to enhance productivity and efficiency in North Korea’s agricultural sector.