Japan is a model for agricultural human resource training

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam held an official meeting with the Japan - Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance on July 26.

Mr. Tsutomu Takebe, Special Advisor of the Japan - Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance and former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan was a special guest at the event. Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam highlighted the special friendship between Vietnam and Japan, which is characterized by numerous practical and effective cooperative activities. Most notably, both countries will celebrate their 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on September 21 2023.

The Deputy Minister highly commended Japan's excellent support and assistance provided to Vietnam's agricultural sector.

“Mr. Takebe proposed a policy which allowed the admission of Vietnamese agricultural trainees in Japan and amended related regulations. This policy has also gained the attention of Vietnam's agricultural sector. We aim to strongly promote the educational cooperation model with the help of the Vietnam - Japan University", emphasized Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam.

Regarding the current state of Vietnam's agricultural sector, the Deputy Minister informed the Japanese guest that the agricultural only accounts for approximately 12% of Vietnam's GDP. However, agriculture is considered as the foundation of Vietnam's economy and plays an indispensable role in the economic, social and environmental development of the country.

Furthermore, agriculture is a source of livelihood for nearly 10 million Vietnamese farming households. The sector provides employment opportunities to over 60% of the population living in Vietnam's rural areas, contributing to over 35% of the country's labor force.

In addition to ensuring food security for 100 million people in the country, but Vietnam's agricultural sector exports its products to 196 countries around the world, with a total turnover of over 53.2 billion USD. Accordingly, Vietnam has 10 groups of agricultural products with a minimum export turnover of 1 billion USD, including fruit, cashew nut, coffee, shrimp, and wooden furniture, which have an export turnover of over 3 billion USD each. 

"Vietnam is currently implementing the Strategy for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development for between the 2021 and 2030, with a vision towards 2050. The plan features the three pillars of ecological agriculture, modern rural areas, and civilized farmers. As a result, we will implement a high-quality agricultural human resource training program in the immediate future that draws experience from the Japanese model", said Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam.

Accordingly, the Deputy Minister shared that Vietnam's agricultural sector is currently interested in coordinating with Japan on three key issues.

Firstly, Vietnam has plans to cooperate with the Vietnam - Japan University in training high-quality agricultural human resources.

“Vietnam and Japan's partnership in agricultural training will provide human resources that are capable of ensuring that agricultural production satisfies international quality requirements. It is very important to establish connections and cooperation between universities under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam and Japanese universities", said Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam.

Secondly, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development recommends both countries to continue trade promotion, and agricultural technology transfer activities in order to respond to market fluctuations.

Thirdly, Vietnam aims to create linkages where both countries can exchange and learn experiences regarding cooperatives.

"Vietnam has nearly 20,000 cooperatives that are willing to exchange experiences.  Subsequently, we would like to organize annual agricultural cooperation programs with Japan" said the Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam.

On the other hand, Mr. Tsutomu Takebe emphasized the importance of coordination and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, especially in the field of smart agriculture and food processing technology amid risks of global food insecurity.

"Japan is currently deploying a program to link agricultural production with social welfare. Thanks to the program, people with disabilities will have the opportunity to participate in agricultural production and be financially independent. We have plans of ​​implementing and building the first model at a university in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh province. We are looking forward to the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam so that the program can be promptly implemented”, Mr. Tsutomu Takebe informed the Ministry.

Regarding cooperation in high-quality agricultural human resource training, Mr. Tsutomu Takebe expressed his appreciation for the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam as well as Minister Le Minh Hoan in implementing Japanese models of agricultural training schools. Additionally, he reported that many Japanese universities are recruiting students for smart agriculture and food technology. This is an excellent opportunity for both countries to cooperate in the training of high-quality agricultural human resources.

"Japanese agricultural associations, organizations and cooperatives are hoping to exporting Hokkaido cow's milk and beef to the Vietnamese market. As a result, Vietnam and Japan can organize connection programs between local businesses to promote bilateral trade", suggested Mr. Tsutomu Takebe.

According to Mr. Tsutomu Takebe, the combination between the Festival of Conservation and Development of Traditional Craft Villages in Vietnam and the Hokkaido Festival in Japan in November 2023 is a significant event to mark the relationship between the two countries. Furthermore, it is a closing event to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan.