Dak Lak seeks to expand economic cooperation with Japan

As part of the delegation’s working visit to Japan, Dak Lak’s Department of Industry and Trade in collaboration with the Vietnam Trade Office in Osaka held a Dak Lak - Japan Business Matchmaking Conference at the Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka on the morning of September 17.

The conference was attended by Vietnamese Consul General in Osaka Nguyen Truong Son; Permanent Vice Chairman of Dak Lak Provincial People's Council Tu Thai Giang; and delegates representing agencies, trade promotion organizations, business associations, and companies from both Dak Lak and Japan.

Delegates at the conference. Photo: Provided by the delegation

In his opening remarks, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Dak Lak Provincial People’s Council Tu Thai Giang highlighted the province’s advantages as a major economic hub in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, with considerable potential in agriculture, agro-processing, renewable energy, logistics, industrial development, eco-tourism, cultural tourism and trade. He said the province is shifting from exporting raw materials to developing high-quality, deeply processed products with stronger brands and greater added value, while promoting the development of agricultural value chains.

Dak Lak aims to become a regional centre for the production, processing and distribution of high-quality agricultural products, while expanding access to demanding markets such as Japan and enhancing the international profile and value of its key products. To this end, the province is looking to strengthen cooperation with Japanese businesses in high-tech agriculture, agro-processing and preservation, food production, agricultural value chains, technology transfer, logistics, trade and market development.

The province also welcomes Japanese investors with expertise, experience and a long-term commitment to projects that match its development priorities and local strengths, particularly those applying advanced, environmentally friendly technologies, creating high added value, generating employment and contributing to sustainable local development.

Mr. Tu Thai Giang, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, delivers opening remarks at the conference. Photo: Provided by the delegation

To support investment and business activities, Dak Lak is committed to creating a more favourable and transparent business environment and providing support throughout the investment process. The province will continue to streamline administrative procedures, improve access to information, facilitate coordination between businesses and relevant authorities, and address issues within its jurisdiction in a timely manner.

Dak Lak will also facilitate businesses’ participation in trade promotion activities, business matching programmes, trade fairs and exhibitions, while supporting them in improving product standards, developing brands, enhancing traceability and expanding market access, particularly in export markets.

Delegates at the conference. Photo: Provided by the delegation

“Dak Lak is coming to Japan with a clear message: we are seeking long-term partners and investors who share a long-term vision, as well as cooperation opportunities that deliver tangible benefits for both sides. We see significant potential for further expanding Dak Lak-Japan economic ties, particularly as businesses increasingly look for stable, high-quality and sustainable supply chains. Dak Lak is ready to welcome Japanese businesses and investors to explore the province, identify areas of mutual interest and pursue investment and cooperation opportunities,” said Permanent Vice Chairman of the Dak Lak Provincial People’s Council Tu Thai Giang.

The conference also provided an opportunity for Japanese businesses and partners to learn more about Dak Lak’s potential, strengths and key agricultural products, including coffee, cocoa, macadamia nuts, black pepper, durian and high-tech aquaculture.

Representatives of Dak Lak businesses, including Trung Nguyen Coffee Corporation, Nam Truong Son Cocoa Co., Ltd., Sealuxe Xuan Canh High-Tech Aquaculture Cooperative and Damaca Nguyen Phuong Corporation, introduced their production capacity, product quality and business needs, while exploring opportunities for cooperation and market access with Japanese partners.

Vietnamese Consul General in Osaka Nguyen Truong Son speaks at the conference. Photo: Provided by the delegation

As part of the programme, a B2B business matching session was held across five thematic tables, bringing together businesses from Dak Lak and Japan to discuss opportunities in import and export, product distribution, technology transfer, logistics and investment cooperation. The discussions focused on specific areas of mutual interest and business needs, helping promote practical cooperation between the two sides.

Earlier, on the morning of September 16, the Dak Lak delegation, led by Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council Tu Thai Giang, held a working session with the Wakayama Prefectural Government and visited Sowa Kajuen Co., Ltd. in Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture, to learn about the company’s production and business model.

The Dak Lak delegation visits Sowa Kajuen Co., Ltd. to learn about its operating model. Photo: Provided by the delegation

Sowa Kajuen is a leading Japanese agricultural enterprise with an integrated “sixth industry” business model combining high-tech farming, processing and multichannel distribution. During the field visit, the delegation learned about the production and processing of high-quality Arida mandarin products, gaining practical experience in technology application, farmer linkages, value-chain development and agricultural branding that could be applied to Dak Lak’s key agricultural products.

That afternoon, the delegation met with the Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka and representatives of the Vietnamese Association in Kansai. Provincial Party Committee Standing Board member and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council Tu Thai Giang thanked Consul General Nguyen Truong Son and the Consulate General’s staff for their support in coordinating the province’s working programme in Japan.

The provincial delegation works with the Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka and the Vietnamese Association in Kansai. Photo: Provided by the delegation

Highlighting Dak Lak’s new development space linking the Central Highlands with the central coastal region, Tu Thai Giang expressed hope that the Vietnamese Consulate General in Osaka would continue to support the province in connecting with Japanese investors and partners, promoting trade, tourism and the province’s agricultural products and image.

Consul General Nguyen Truong Son welcomed Dak Lak’s proactive working programme and affirmed the Consulate General’s continued support in strengthening the province’s links with local governments and businesses in the Kansai region.

Thanh Huyen