Vietnam-Japan University opens a new chapter for agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

The Vietnam-Japan University has become a symbol of Vietnam-Japan cooperation, opening a new chapter in human resource training and promoting the development of high-quality agriculture.

On the morning of December 12th, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang met and worked with Mr. Tsutomu Takebe, Special Advisor to the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance and former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, following his trip to Hokkaido in September, which the Minister described as "significant and leaving a deep impression."

Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang received and held a working meeting with Mr. Tsutomu Takebe, Special Advisor to the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance and former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan. Photo: Khuong Trung.

The Minister expressed his gratitude to Mr. Takebe for his enduring contributions to the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He highlighted the success of the Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum in Quang Ninh on November 25, 2025, including the thematic session "Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation: Enhancing Resilience and Smart Adaptation to Climate Change," co-chaired by Mr. Takebe and Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh.

Another highlight highly appreciated by Minister Tran Duc Thang is the initiative to accept agricultural interns, a solution that the Vietnamese agricultural sector "is very interested in" in the context of labor fluctuations and the need to improve the quality of human resources.

Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang. Photo: Khuong Trung.

In response, Mr. Tsutomu Takebe extended his congratulations to the Minister, emphasizing that the recent visit to Hokkaido "was a trip for those who will succeed."

He affirmed that the friendly and cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Japan is developing strongly on the foundation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for world peace and prosperity in Asia, established by the high-level leaders of the two countries.

Referring to the Vietnam-Japan University - VNU Hanoi (VJU), a prime example of friendship between the two countries, Mr. Takebe stated that the university is entering a new phase of development: celebrating its 10th anniversary, welcoming 1,000 new students in October this year, and aiming to become a leading center for high-quality human resource training in Asia. The establishment of the Institute of Japanese Culture, Technology and Language (VJU Academy) is also expected to create a global workforce that meets the development needs of both countries.

Mr. Tsutomu Takebe - Special Advisor to the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan. Photo: Khuong Trung.

Expressing his appreciation for Mr. Takebe's dedication to the Vietnam-Japan University, Minister Tran Duc Thang affirmed that this is one of the symbolic cooperation models of Vietnam-Japan relations, especially in the field of training high-quality human resources.

Based on the experiences of both countries, the Minister proposed a model for human resource cooperation along the following chain: "Training in Vietnam - Sending to Japan for practice and work - Returning to Vietnam to start a business."

Currently, nearly 68% of Vietnam's population is of working age, but only 14.6% of them hold agricultural qualifications. Meanwhile, Japanese agriculture is facing a serious labor shortage, with the average age of farmers being nearly 69. The two countries are therefore considered "complementary pieces of the puzzle."

Overview of the reception and working session on the morning of December 12th. Photo: Khuong Trung.

The Minister also outlined the direction for expanding cooperation in science, technology, and markets to develop green agriculture, mechanization, and deep processing. In particular, there will be connections between the Ministry's two leading universities, the Vietnam Academy of Agriculture and the University of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Vietnam-Japan University to exchange and conduct scientific research in the fields of agriculture and environment.

According to Minister Tran Duc Thang, with Mr. Takebe's knowledge, experience, and influence, agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and Japan can certainly enter a new, more practical and sustainable phase.

The head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment expressed his hope that Mr. Takebe would continue to be a special bridge to help: promote Vietnam-Japan agricultural trade and connect Japanese businesses to invest in green value chains and deep processing technologies in Vietnam; support policy advice, innovation of cooperative models, and grassroots agricultural extension systems; strengthen links with research programs of the Vietnam-Japan University, and create an entrepreneurship movement among students.

The Vietnam-Japan University has become a symbol of Vietnam-Japan cooperation, opening a new chapter in human resource training and promoting the development of high-quality agriculture. Photo: Khuong Trung.

The exchange reaffirmed the determination of both sides to deepen cooperation in agriculture and human resource development, a sustainable pillar of Vietnam-Japan relations in the new era.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/dai-hoc-viet-nhat-mo-chuong-moi-cho-hop-tac-nong-nghiep-hai-nuoc-d788963.html