Undergraduate On December 4, 2025, in an effort to strengthen connections and promote effective cooperation among government agencies, academic institutions, and the Vietnam - Japan business community, Can Tho University (CTU), in collaboration with the People’s Committee of Can Tho City, JICA Vietnam, AEON Vietnam Co., Ltd., and Takesho Vietnam Co., Ltd., organized the Vietnam - Japan Business Networking Forum under the theme “Leveraging the Potential of the Mekong Delta Products.”
The forum was attended by Mr. Truong Canh Tuyen - Chairman of the Can Tho City People’s Committee, along with leaders of local departments and agencies. From the Japanese side, participants included Mr. Tezuka Daisuke - Member of the Executive Board of the Group, General Director of AEON Vietnam; Mr. Toshinao Tanaka - President of Takesho Japan; Mr. Naoto Fukushima - General Director of Takesho Vietnam; representatives of the JICA–CTU Phase 2 Technical Cooperation Project; and representatives from the JETRO Ho Chi Minh Office. From CTU, attendants included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Tinh - Rector; Prof. Dr. Ha Thanh Toan - Former Rector; Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai - Vice Rector; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Viet Dung - Former Vice Rector and Chairman of the Vietnam - Japan Friendship Association, together with more than 60 Vietnamese and Japanese enterprises.
The forum took place at CTU
In his opening remarks, Mr. Truong Canh Tuyen emphasized the vast potential of Mekong Delta products to meet the high standards of the Japanese market. He acknowledged the significant contributions of JICA, JETRO, AEON, and Takesho in enhancing the region’s production capacity, processing technologies, and export opportunities. He also highlighted CTU’s crucial role in human resource development and its strong partnerships with Japanese businesses, notably through agreements with AEON Vietnam and Takesho Food on developing TOPVALU processed products and promoting “Made in Mekong Delta” goods. The city remains committed to improving its investment environment and supporting enterprises from both countries to cooperate effectively, thereby enabling more Mekong Delta products to enter international distribution systems, especially in Japan.
Mr. Truong Canh Tuyen delivered the opening speech at the Forum
At the Forum, Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai delivered a presentation titled Promoting CTU’s Role and Resources in Connecting, Cooperating, and Advancing Development among the Government - the University - the Enterprises. He emphasized the University’s central role in fostering trilateral cooperation and building a foundation for sustainable regional development. CTU not only provides knowledge transfer, improves production capacity, enhances product quality, and supports technological innovation for enterprises across the Mekong Delta, but also works closely with international organizations, particularly from Japan, to implement large-scale collaborative projects with partners such as JICA, AEON, and Takesho.
Prof. Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai presented a report on Promoting CTU’s Role and Resources in Connecting, Cooperating, and Advancing Development among the Government - the University - the Enterprises
Major Japanese corporations, including AEON and Takesho, shared insights on improving product standards and production - processing procedures based on international criteria. They also presented development directions tailored to the region’s agricultural and aquaculture resources. The presentations focused on developing the “Made in Mekong” product line for the Japanese and global markets, thereby elevating local product value and supporting sustainable value chain development.
Mr. Kazaoka Takao – Deputy General Director, in charge of the purchasing department of AEON Vietnam, shared on the topic Product Standards of the AEON System: Concept and Criteria of “Made in Mekong” Products
Mr. Toshinao Tanaka presented a report on Product Orientation of Takesho Company: Based on Agricultural and Aquatic Resources of the Mekong Delta
Japan has long been regarded as one of Vietnam’s most important strategic partners. JICA, in particular, has played a pivotal role in promoting development cooperation projects, especially in the Mekong Delta. Over the years, CTU and JICA have jointly implemented numerous large-scale initiatives that contribute to developing high-quality human resources, modernizing educational infrastructure, and creating a sustainable business collaboration environment for the region. At the forum, Mr. Imai Junichi - Coordinator of the JICA–CTU Phase 2 Project, presented “Promoting Japanese Business Linkages for Sustainable Development of the Mekong Delta,” highlighting the essential role of international cooperation in enhancing production capacity, commercializing agricultural products, and fostering sustainable regional development.
Mr. Imai Junichi – Coordinator of Phase 2 of the JICA - CTU Technical Cooperation Project, shared a report entitled Promoting the Connection of Japanese Enterprises for the Sustainable Development of the Mekong Delta
Representatives from JETRO underscored the “WIN-WIN” cooperation potential between Japanese and Vietnamese enterprises, especially in agriculture and aquaculture. JETRO is implementing the “J-Bridge” initiative to promote innovation and connect Vietnamese startups with Japanese companies in digital transformation and green transformation. The initiative also supports technological adoption and mechanization to improve productivity and product quality, while strengthening human resource training through programs and internships in Japan.
Mr. Okabe Mitsutoshi – Chief Representative of JETRO Office in Ho Chi Minh City, delivered a speech on the need for cooperation between Japanese and Vietnamese enterprises
The Forum's panel discussion centered on two main topics: Japanese enterprises’ expectations when investing in the Mekong Delta and the development of “Made in Mekong” products under the AEON TOPVALU private label. Through insights shared by companies such as Takesho Food and AEON, it became clear that Can Tho and the Mekong Delta possess substantial investment potential, though current cooperation outcomes remain modest compared to existing opportunities. Businesses discussed advantages and challenges and proposed solutions to improve the investment environment and expand international cooperation.
Panel Discussion at the Forum
CTU and JICA reiterated their central roles in connecting and supporting enterprises in enhancing production capacity, product quality, and human resource development. The collaborative project to develop “Made in Mekong” processed products under AEON TOPVALU is expected to utilize local raw materials effectively, strengthen public - private partnerships, and promote sustainable development in the region’s food, aquaculture, and agricultural sectors.
Participants agreed that once existing bottlenecks are addressed, the region’s vast potential will be fully unlocked, and “Made in Mekong” products will soon enter the Japanese and international markets, elevating the global value of local commodities.
In his closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Tinh expressed his sincere appreciation to government agencies, organizations, and businesses attending the Forum. He highly valued the contributions of Japanese enterprises regarding quality standards, product development, and the “Made in Mekong” model. He emphasized three key expectations for future cooperation: (1) building a co-creation ecosystem between universities and enterprises to foster product development and human resource training; (2) developing high-quality “Made in Mekong” product chains through standardization, market linkage, and technology transfer; (3) strengthening CTU’s role in training human resources that meet enterprise needs. CTU remains committed to serving as a coordinating hub to transform initiatives into practical, impactful programs that contribute to the sustainable development of the Mekong Delta.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Tinh delivered the closing speech at the Forum
The Vietnam - Japan Business Networking Forum was not only a venue for exchanging information among government agencies, academic institutions, and enterprises but also a vital bridge in building a co-creation ecosystem linking universities, businesses, and local authorities. Through expert reports and discussions, the forum highlighted regional investment potential, existing challenges, and solutions for improving the business environment. It also showcased exemplary collaboration projects, such as developing high-quality “Made in Mekong” product chains under AEON TOPVALU. The event reaffirmed the pivotal roles of CTU and international organizations such as JICA in connecting and supporting enterprises in enhancing production capacity, product quality, and human resource development—paving the way for sustainable growth throughout the Mekong Delta.
Commemorative photo
Highlights from the Vietnam – Japan Business Networking Forum:
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