Chairman of the People’s Committee of northern Nam Dinh province DoanHong Phong had an October 7 working session with Mayor of Japan’sIbaraki prefecture Hashimoto Masaru, during which they discussed how tostep up cooperation in agriculture and industry.

Phong proposed that Ibaraki transfer technology in selectingplant varieties and breeds as well as in processing and preserving farmproduce, and speed up high-tech agricultural projects in Y Yen district.

He also urged the prefecture to encourage itsbusinesses to invest in machinery manufacturing, pharmaceuticals,agricultural and aquatic product processing, and electronics in thelocality.

Nam Dinh is ready to reserve one totwo industrial zones with favourable positions for businesses fromJapan in general and Ibaraki prefecture in particular, he added.

According to the provincial leader, Nam Dinh iscalling for coordination from Ibaraki scientists and researchinstitutes in studying solutions to improve the quality of farming landand respond to climate change. The two sides should jointly implementprojects to restore and develop lacquer, silk and wood production in thelocality.

He also asked the Japanese side to support Nam Dinh in training of high-quality human resources.

For his part, Hashimoto Masaru said that agriculture is still a priority in cooperation between the two localities.

During this visit, the prefecture will consider collaboration withseveral Vietnamese localities, including Nam Dinh in the north and DongThap in the south, he added.-VNA