|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Vietnam is taking a significant step toward the sustainable and smart transformation of its agriculture sector by partnering with Japan to enhance technological innovation and digitalisation in farming practices. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam emphasised the importance of this collaboration during a meeting with Japan’s Vice Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Senator Maitachi Shoji, in Tokyo.
The focus is on developing a digitalisation system for managing the supply chain of Vietnam’s ambitious project to cultivate 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta by 2030. This project is aligned with Vietnam’s green growth strategy and aims to significantly reduce emissions through more efficient and sustainable farming practices.
The partnership with Japan is particularly crucial for building the capacity of cooperatives and farming households involved in the project. Japan’s advanced electronic agricultural extension system, which facilitates rapid and efficient information exchange between agricultural agencies and farmers, serves as a model for Vietnam’s digital transformation efforts in agriculture.
Senator Maitachi expressed strong support for Vietnam’s initiative, noting Japan’s interest in upgrading Vietnam’s agricultural training programmes towards a multifunctional approach that incorporates the latest digital technologies.
This collaboration extends beyond digitalisation, encompassing a broad spectrum of agricultural innovations. Discussions highlighted the importance of joint ventures and investment collaborations between Japanese and Vietnamese businesses in organic agriculture, digital technology integration, logistics, and agro-forestry-aquaculture trade. The Japanese side proposed attracting investment and transferring technology and knowledge to enhance the quality and sustainability of Vietnam’s agricultural practices.
In addition to digitalisation and innovation, the partnership also focuses on market access for agricultural products. Deputy Minister Nam urged Japan to expedite the export process for Vietnamese pomelos and other produce. In return, Vietnam is facilitating the import of Japanese products such as grapes, peaches, and puffer fish to strengthen bilateral trade relations.
The technical teams from both countries are working on finalising the “Medium- to Long-Term Vision for Japan-Vietnam Agricultural Cooperation in 2025-2029,” expected to be signed in early 2025. This vision outlines the future of high-quality agricultural cooperation, emphasising the integration of advanced technology and sustainable practices.
Japan is a key market for Vietnam’s agricultural exports, accounting for 7.5% of the country’s annual export turnover. The partnership between the two nations not only aims to boost Vietnam’s agricultural output but also to enhance its quality and sustainability through cutting-edge technology and innovative practices. This collaboration is set to play a pivotal role in transforming Vietnam’s agriculture sector, ensuring it remains competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing global market.
As reported by OpenGov Asia, Vietnam is leveraging its expanding international partnerships to establish itself as a key IT partner for Japan, with a focus on supporting Japan’s sustainable digital economy.
At Vietnam IT Day 2024 in Tokyo, Vietnamese officials stressed the strategic importance of this partnership, underscored by the launch of the Vietnam-Japan Digital Transformation The VADX Japan initiative aims to bridge workforce gaps by boosting the presence of Vietnamese IT professionals in Japan, with a revenue target of 1 trillion JPY for Vietnamese IT firms by 2033. The seminar also marked a significant step in deepening IT collaboration through agreements between Japanese and Vietnamese companies.
Vietnam’s growing partnership with Japan represents a critical step forward in both agricultural transformation and IT collaboration. By integrating advanced technologies into farming practices and establishing strong ties in the digital sector, Vietnam is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development.
These efforts are part of Vietnam’s broader strategy to enhance its global IT presence, supported by other international partnerships, including technology projects with Laos and a semiconductor training programme with Hiroshima University and the University of Idaho.
