Vietnam considers Japan agriculture a model of science, pratice and attitude

On the morning of April 23, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan received and talked to Mr. Yamada Takio, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam, on the occasion of the Ambassador concluding his term of office in Vietnam.

During the meeting, Minister Le Minh Hoan emphasized the excellent relationship between the two countries, which has been affirmed by the leaders of the Vietnamese Party and Government.

In the field of agriculture specifically, Vietnam has always regarded Japan as an exemplary model to learn from in terms of science, methodology, and attitude. The Minister shared about his visit to Japanese cooperatives and to Oita province, where the "One Village - One Product" movement originated in Japan.

"I stood there and imagined how this rural village could develop, build, and promote its products. From there, I thought about how to further develop the OCOP program in Vietnam," the leader of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said.

Minister Le Minh Hoan also expressed gratitude to the Japanese Ambassador for his attention and support in promoting many important agricultural cooperations during his tenure, contributing positively to the implementation of Vietnam's new agricultural strategy as well as fulfilling international commitments, particularly those related to reducing carbon emissions.

Among these, there are some significant initiatives such as promoting the implementation of the Long-term Vision for Cooperation; and strong support to facilitate the opening of agricultural products between the two countries.

Promoting ODA assistance to support Vietnam's agriculture sector such as dispatching experts to work with the Ministry; supporting projects with loan capital, technical assistance projects, non-refundable aid projects (Infrastructure development projects for agriculture in Lam Dong province, Bac Nghe An irrigation project, RETAQ Center project...)

Furthermore, Japan has supported the training of the agricultural workforce (2 non-refundable projects: Supply of aquaculture training equipment for Hai Phong College of Technology, Economics, and Fisheries, Supply of technical vocational training equipment for Ninh Binh College of Mechanics).

In the field of disaster prevention, Japan has assisted in promoting the organization of the Japan-ASEAN High-Level Conference on Disaster Prevention; the "Project to Enhance Capacity for Landslide and Erosion Risk Reduction in Northern Mountainous Areas"; "Emergency Reservoir Operation and Efficient Flood Management through Comprehensive Disaster Management Information Systems"; dispatching expert support for disaster prevention, etc.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development highly appreciates Japan's effective companionship, support, and assistance, as well as the personal contribution of Ambassador Yamada Takio during the past time.

The leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development hopes that Ambassador Yamada Takio will continue to pay attention to and foster further cooperation between the two countries in general, and the agricultural sectors of both countries in particular. Especially in the agricultural vocational high school model (in Nam Dinh province), so that the model can be expanded and passed on to the next generation of students, instilling in them a love for agriculture.

From the Japanese side, Ambassador Yamada Takio evaluates that both sides have actively cooperated in many fields, especially in agriculture. Vietnam has exported lychee to Japan, while allowing Japan's Unshu oranges to access the Vietnamese market.

The agricultural agencies of both countries have exchanged about the import and export of Vietnamese pomelo and Japanese grapes. Mr. Yamada proposed that in the near future, Japan will receive cooperation to swiftly and conveniently promote the trade of these two products.

The Japanese Ambassador also appreciates the cooperation in the agricultural sector between the two countries with many programs such as the Japan-ASEAN High-Level Conference on Disaster Prevention; the RETAQ Center Project; the Bac Nghe An Project... which have been very effective and positive. In addition, both sides have closely collaborated in ODA projects, helping to achieve the set goals.

"I will continue to support the relationship between Vietnam and Japan in general, and the agricultural sector between the two countries in particular. After my term, I believe the two countries will maintain interest, sharing, and cooperation in the field of agriculture," Mr. Yamada said.

During the reception and exchange session, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development presented Medal "For the Cause of Agriculture and Rural Development" to Mr. Yamada Takio, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam. This is a recognition of the Ambassador's contributions to the agriculture sector in Vietnam.

During his tenure (from May 2020 until now), Ambassador Yamada Takio has made significant and positive contributions to promoting the Vietnam-Japan relationship, including agricultural cooperation.