Vietnam, Japan share a common vision for green agriculture

Building a multi-layered Vietnam – Japan cooperation chain

On September 7, during his working trip to Japan, Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang and his delegation attended the Vietnam – Hokkaido Forum under the theme: “Cooperation in Agriculture, Environment, and High-quality Human Resource Development.”

Attending the Forum were Takebe Tsutomu, Special Advisor to the Japan–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance; Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu; along with 150 delegates from both countries.

In his remarks, Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General of the International Cooperation Department, emphasized that Vietnam aspires to be a dynamic partner, co-developing concrete action programs with Japan to turn the ASEAN – Japan MIDORI Plan from an idea into reality - on farmlands and in people’s daily meals.

The ASEAN – Japan MIDORI Plan fosters cooperation between Japan and ASEAN countries through advanced technology and knowledge sharing.

For that reason, cooperation between Vietnam’s provinces and cities and Hokkaido needs to be promoted in a holistic and comprehensive manner. This cooperation should not be limited to the exchange of goods but must also extend to sharing experiences in land, water, and environmental management, rural development, human resource training, as well as fostering an enabling investment environment for businesses from both sides. A key priority is to strengthen public–private partnerships in areas such as high-tech agriculture, green processing, logistics, and the connection of industry associations. Through these efforts, Vietnamese agricultural products can be brought closer to Japanese consumers, while Japanese products can also reach Vietnamese households more effectively.

Mr. Tuan further underlined: “We must work towards establishing a multi-layered cooperation chain. At the central level, governments provide strategic orientation and policy frameworks; at the local level, provinces and municipalities create and implement innovative models; enterprises and industry associations serve as crucial connectors between technology and the marketplace; and at the very heart of this chain are the people, who directly participate in and benefit from the process. In this regard, the community of more than 650,000 Vietnamese living in Japan, particularly the 13,000 residing in Hokkaido, represents a vital bridge that can facilitate deeper, more substantive, and more sustainable cooperation between our two countries.”

“Building on the exchanges, Vietnam and Hokkaido will further advance science, technology, and innovation, with priority given to digital agriculture, mechanization, and low-emission technologies. At the same time, we will focus on developing high-quality human resources through training, employment, and entrepreneurship programs.

Both sides also agreed to strengthen investment in infrastructure and logistics, particularly the establishment of a direct cold-chain corridor connecting Vietnam and Hokkaido. In addition, we will facilitate and encourage cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises, with priority for low-carbon, green, and clean projects,” the Acting Minister stated.

Listening to the discussions at the forum, Hokkaido Vice Governor Mitsuhashi Tsuyoshi emphasized that the success of today’s event represents a new beginning. He expressed confidence that relations between Vietnam and Hokkaido will enter a new phase of cooperation - deeper, more practical, and more inspiring in the time ahead.

Supporting bilateral business investment cooperation

On the same day, the delegation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment visited MUFG Bank’s Sapporo Branch. The visit was also joined by leading Vietnamese enterprises in the agricultural sector, ready to connect directly with Japanese businesses.

MUFG Bank Executive Vice President Kanna Noritsugu welcomed Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang on his visit and working session. Through the meeting, he expressed confidence that the two sides will further expand cooperation and accompany businesses from both countries in investment and trade projects.

Within the framework of the meeting, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment had the opportunity to engage and exchange with Japanese enterprises. In response to a question from Hokkaido University on measures to reduce CO₂ in the atmosphere, the Vietnamese side noted that it would focus on key solutions such as developing renewable energy, transitioning toward low-emission agricultural models, improving land management and forest protection to enhance carbon absorption, while also applying carbon capture and storage (CCS/CCUS) technologies.

The Ministry expressed its desire to cooperate with Japanese research institutes and enterprises in research, technology transfer, and human resource training to effectively achieve the goal of net-zero emissions.

On agricultural trade, the Vietnamese side encouraged Japanese enterprises to diversify their product range, from grains, bread, noodles, and dairy to processed foods. The two countries could also cooperate in developing culinary culture and tourism, as well as creating innovative products that blend Vietnamese and Japanese flavors to expand market reach.

“Vietnam has strengths in researching and producing sticky rice and red beans. Therefore, we are ready to collaborate on variety selection, technology application, and trade promotion to serve the premium food industry, such as Wagashi products. This approach not only supports Japanese businesses but also contributes to diversifying Vietnam’s product portfolio,” the Acting Minister shared.