Minister Do Duc Duy held talks with Mr. Tsutomu Takebe, former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Japan

Developing skilled agricultural manpower – A strategic priority

At the meeting, Minister Do Duc Duy emphasized that agriculture remains a crucial pillar of Vietnam’s economy. Although it accounts for only 12% of GDP, it provides livelihoods for nearly 10 million farming households and employs over 60% of the rural population. To ensure sustainable development, the Vietnamese government is implementing the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy for 2021-2030, with a Vision to 2050, centered on three pillars: "Ecological agriculture," "Modern rural areas," and "Smart farmers."

A key challenge in achieving these goals is the shortage of highly skilled agricultural professionals capable of managing modern, technology-driven farming systems. Minister Do Duc Duy stressed that Vietnam must train a new generation of agricultural managers, engineers, and researchers to enhance productivity, improve product quality, and develop globally competitive agricultural value chains. He affirmed that Japan’s advanced agricultural sector provides an ideal model for Vietnam to follow.

Comprehensive training cooperation between Vietnam and Japan

To address the challenge of developing high-quality agricultural manpower, Mr. Tsutomu Takebe proposed a comprehensive training program aimed at equipping Vietnamese professionals with advanced knowledge and skills. One of the key components of this initiative is to send Vietnamese agricultural managers, engineers, and researchers to Japan for intensive training. These professionals would have the opportunity to study advanced farming technologies, agribusiness management, and sustainable agricultural practices directly from Japanese experts. By gaining hands-on experience in Japan’s modern agricultural environment, they would be better prepared to apply innovative techniques and improve Vietnam’s agricultural sector.

The Vietnam-Japan partnership in agricultural manpower development is a crucial step toward modernizing Vietnam’s farming industry

In addition to overseas training, Mr. Takebe suggested expanding and upgrading Vietnam - Japan University to become a leading institution for agricultural and environmental education. Strengthening this university would facilitate academic exchanges, joint research projects, and faculty collaborations between the two countries. By enhancing the university’s curriculum and infrastructure, Vietnam can develop a new generation of agricultural professionals with expertise in modern farming systems, sustainability, and environmental management.

Furthermore, the proposal includes the development of specialized training programs within Vietnam. This would involve bringing Japanese experts and educators to train Vietnamese farmers, agribusiness leaders, and researchers directly in their home country. By integrating Japan’s best practices into local training initiatives, Vietnam can broaden access to high-quality education and technical expertise for a larger number of professionals in the agricultural sector.

Through the implementation of these initiatives, the Vietnam-Japan partnership aims to establish a highly skilled workforce, capable of mastering modern agricultural techniques, business management strategies, and environmental sustainability practices. This cooperation is expected to not only enhance Vietnam’s agricultural productivity but also strengthen its ability to compete in global markets.

Technology transfer and building a sustainable agricultural industry

Beyond manpower development, Japan is committed to supporting Vietnam in technology transfer, high-quality seed development, and modern agricultural production models. Mr. Takebe emphasized the importance of adopting Japan’s "Sixth industry" model, which integrates production, processing, distribution, and trade to create a seamless agricultural value chain. This approach can help Vietnam increase efficiency, enhance product quality, and boost the competitiveness of its agricultural sector in global markets.

Minister Do Duc Duy highly appreciated these proposals, stating that Vietnam is determined to develop a high-quality agricultural workforce and transform its farming sector into a modern, technology-driven industry. He expressed hope that Japan would continue to be a strategic partner in attracting investment, sharing expertise, and helping Vietnamese agribusinesses access international markets.

The Vietnam-Japan partnership in agricultural manpower development is a crucial step toward modernizing Vietnam’s farming industry. By leveraging Japan’s expertise and training programs, Vietnam is building a new generation of skilled agricultural professionals capable of driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in the sector.

This cooperation is expected to bring long-term benefits to both countries, not only enhancing Vietnam’s agricultural workforce but also strengthening trade, investment, and technological exchange between Vietnam and Japan. With strong bilateral collaboration, Vietnam is well-positioned to become a leader in high-quality, sustainable agriculture in the region.

Ngoc Huyen