Dong Nai, Hiroshima promote cooperation in circular agriculture and environmental protection

Dong Nai City and Japan’s Hiroshima Prefecture are seeking to expand cooperation in high-tech agriculture, agricultural waste treatment and recycling, environmental monitoring and sustainable development. These areas were discussed at a conference held in Dong Nai on November 4 between the city’s Department of Agriculture and Environment (DoAE) and Hiroshima Prefecture’s Commerce, Industry and Labor Bureau.

An overview of the conference. Photo: Binh Nguyen

Dong Nai has a large agricultural sector, with major crops and livestock raised in concentrated production areas. The city has around 4 million pigs and 36.5 million poultry. More than 90% of solid livestock waste, including manure and bedding materials, is collected and treated. This provides a significant supply of materials for organic fertiliser production and other circular agriculture activities.

Agricultural land covers more than 1 million hectares, accounting for 84.32% of Dong Nai’s total natural area. Each year, the city generates more than 1.5 million tonnes of by-products from crop production and preliminary processing, of which about 551,000 tonnes are collected and treated. These materials could be reused in farming, agro-processing and biomass energy production.

Kakegawa Masako, Director in charge of Industrial Policies at the Hiroshima Prefecture’s Commerce, Industry and Labor Bureau, speaks at the conference. Photo: B. Nguyen

In addition, Dong Nai has about 799 facilities involved in collecting, preliminarily processing and processing agricultural products. Of these, 150 businesses and facilities have adopted advanced quality management systems. These systems provide a basis for increasing value added and expanding markets.

Le Thi Anh Tuyet, Deputy Director of the DoAE, speaks about the city’s potential for circular agriculture. Photo: Binh Nguyen

Hiroshima Prefecture boasts many economic strengths comparable to those of Dong Nai City. The prefecture is also known for its historical and cultural attractions and scenic landscapes. It has developed industry and agriculture in a balanced manner, with aquaculture, fisheries and livestock farming among its well-established sectors.

Hiroshima has a strong manufacturing base and is also developing industries related to the environment, energy, semiconductors, biotechnology and healthcare. The prefecture is seeking to expand its environmental and energy industries in Japan and overseas. It also works with international partners on environmental and energy initiatives, particularly carbon recycling, through cooperation among businesses, universities and government agencies.

Dong Nai business representatives speak with Tatara Shoko, Consul at the Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City (second from right), on the sidelines of the conference. Photo: Binh Nguyen

Le Thi Anh Tuyet, Deputy Director of the DoAE, speaks with businesses attending the conference. Photo: B. Nguyen

The conference focused on expanding cooperation in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and environmental protection, with an emphasis on greener, more efficient and sustainable practices.

Dong Nai is reorganising agricultural production around the strengths of each area and seeking to connect raw material zones with processing facilities, logistics networks and markets. Against this backdrop, the city is prioritising high-tech and circular agriculture, along with emissions reduction, as part of its efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Hiroshima-based businesses have already launched several cooperation projects in Dong Nai. One example is a partnership between Trong Duc Cocoa Co., Ltd. and Tromso Joint Stock Company to turn cocoa husks into biochar for agricultural use and explore the potential for generating carbon credits. In its initial phase, the project is expected to process around 6,000 tonnes of cocoa husks and 8,000 tonnes of durian peels annually.

At the conference, businesses from Hiroshima Prefecture signed memoranda of understanding with companies and farms in Dong Nai on cooperation in circular agriculture, clean farming and carbon recycling.

By B.Nguyet – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha