On the morning of December 2, 2024, in Room 103, Ho Hao Hon Campus, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Open University was honored to welcome a delegation from Niigata University of Agriculture and Food (Japan) to discuss and implement cooperation activities under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the two institutions.

Overview the meeting  

From Ho Chi Minh City Open University: Dr. Senior Lecturer Le Xuan Truong – Vice President; Dr. Le Thai Thuong Quan – Head of the Department of Cooperation and Science Management;  Dr. Senior Lecturer Nguyen Ngoc Bao Chau – Head of the Faculty of Biotechnology. From Niigata University of Agriculture and Food: Dr. Atsuro Matsuda – Vice President and Advisor to the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO); Dr. Toshiya Yamamoto – Manager and Expert in Plant Breeding at the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), along with faculty, staff, and students from the Faculty of Biotechnology.  

In his speech at the event, Dr. Senior Lecturer. Le Xuan Truong – Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City Open University expressed his delight at the further development of the cooperative relationship between the two institutions. He emphasized, "This collaboration not only brings practical value to the field of biotechnology but also contributes to fostering long-term cooperation between Vietnam and Japan."  

Dr. Senior Lecturer Le Xuan Truong – Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City Open University stated

Representing Niigata University of Agriculture and Food, Dr. Atsuro Matsuda – Vice President shared NAFU's vision of promoting research projects and technology transfer with international partners. He expressed his expectation that the collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City Open University would yield significant achievements in applying biotechnology to agriculture and food production.  

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the potential for cooperation in the research project "Breeding Japanese Grapes and Pears" – a project of great significance in improving crop varieties and promoting sustainable agriculture in both countries. Japanese grapes and pears, despite their demanding technical and climatic requirements, hold high economic value. These varieties are renowned for their exceptional quality, unique flavors, and high export potential, meeting both domestic and international demand. The development of new grape and pear varieties not only enhances product quality but also increases economic value, opening up export opportunities for agricultural products from both countries.  

Niigata University of Agriculture and Food, established in 1949, is a prestigious university in Japan with strengths in research and the application of science and technology in agricultural production, particularly in breeding new plant varieties, improving productivity, and enhancing product quality.  

This event marks an important milestone for the Faculty of Biotechnology in expanding international cooperation and bringing practical value to the community and society.