Japanese enterprises have pledged to support their partners in the Mekong Delta in applying high-technology in agriculture production while helping regional provinces to renovate agricultural system in line with each locality’s conditions.

The commitments were made after a meeting between 50 regional businesses and 31 Japanese enterprises operating in high-tech agriculture held in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on December 11.

Photo for illustration: doisongphapluat.com

The committee’s deputy head Nguyen Quoc Viet said described the meeting as a platform for both sides’ businesses and investors to learn about and seek opportunities for cooperation in the field.

Chief of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) office in Ho Chi Minh City Yasuzumi Hirotaka highlighted the strength in agricultural development of Vietnam, especially the Mekong Delta, and the country’s precise policies on agriculture development such as the improvement of productivity to create added values to safe farm produce.

The region’s agricultural products need to satisfy strict requirements on quality and safety when penetrating into the Japanese market, he said.

Representatives from the Southwest Steering Committee committed to creating favourable conditions for Japanese firms to foster cooperation and investment, contributing to the regional socio-economic development.

According to the committee, the Mekong Delta’s investment promotion activities in agriculture, rural development and cooperation between local and foreign businesses have yet to match its potential.

The region has attracted 138 foreign projects worth USD 20.2 billion so far this year, accounting for 7.4 percent of the country’s total projects and 16.8 percent of the capital. Projects in agriculture are still limited.

The Mekong Delta contributes 20 percent of Vietnam’s GDP and is the country’s largest area for production of agriculture, aquatic products and commodity. With a total farming land of over 3.8 million hectares, the region contributes roughly 50 percent of the country’s total rice output and over 90 percent of rice exports every year, while providing 70 percent of fruits. Aquaculture accounts for 52 percent of output and 60 percent of export.

Source: VNA