Addressing the event, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue applauded the VFA’s hosting of the conference, saying that suggestions and proposals contributed by the participants will help to boost the development of agriculture, farmers and rural areas, as well as to improve the operations of the VFA.
He expressed his belief that Japan’s success in such areas will provide valuable experience for the VFA, functional Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities in the making of relevant policies and orientations as well as in addressing existing problems facing Vietnam’s agricultural sector.
He cited the example of the One Village One Product (OVOP) strategy, which was initiated in the 1980s, as a brilliant example of Japan’s know-how in reviving rural community development.
He also voiced his hope that the two countries will devise a programme on cultural cooperation in the medium term and long term, which can be set as an exemplary model of its kind in the region.
Meanwhile, Special Advisor of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, Tsutomu Takebe, gave a briefing on major adjustments in Japan’s policy making, which have significantly contributed to establishing Japan as one of the world’s leading agricultural nations.
Participants at the event stressed the key role of sustainable agricultural growth in Vietnam’s development strategy, and suggested ways to realize the target through public-private partnership, human resources training, and networking.
