The scene of the meeting (photo by Quang Hoa)
Mr. Phuong provided the Japanese delegation with an overview of Tuyen Quang's geographical advantages, cultural heritage, and investment potential, especially in agriculture, tourism, and cuisine. He expressed keen interest in the project to expand buckwheat farming in Tuyen Quang, particularly in the highland districts of Na Hang and Lam Binh.
Mr. Matsuo Tomoyuki conveyed his gratitude for the warm reception and productive discussions. He highlighted the significant value of buckwheat grown in the northern provinces of Vietnam, noting the substantial demand for raw buckwheat grain in Japan for Soba noodle production. The Japan-Vietnam Gastronomy Association expressed a strong desire to collaborate with northern Vietnamese provinces, including Tuyen Quang, to boost buckwheat export yields. They also sought mechanisms for support and coordinated project implementation.
Responding to inquiries about Tuyen Quang's potential and support for project implementation, Vice Chairman Hoang Viet Phuong affirmed that the climate and terrain in several highland districts of the province, such as Na Hang and Lam Binh, are well-suited for buckwheat cultivation. He emphasized that growing and producing buckwheat could enhance landscapes, promote tourism, and increase local incomes. However, he acknowledged that widespread cultivation, harvesting, processing, and consumption practices for buckwheat grains are not yet established in Tuyen Quang, with current efforts limited to small-scale trials by some households and cooperatives for tourism purposes or homestay businesses.
Mr. Matsuo Tomoyuki presents his project in Tuyen Quang (photo by Quang Hoa)
Mr. Phuong urged the Japan-Vietnam Gastronomy Association to continue discussions and collaboration with provincial authorities and local governments. He called for support in expanding buckwheat production in Tuyen Quang, linking it with local tourism development in line with the province's potential, strengths, development orientation, and state regulations.
Specifically, he proposed exploring expanded buckwheat cultivation in highland communes within Na Hang and Lam Binh districts. He also suggested guidance and support for remote communities in planting, caring for, harvesting, processing, and exporting buckwheat grains, integrating these activities with existing tourism initiatives in the region. Furthermore, he encouraged linking with tourism sites both within and outside the province to create unique and attractive tourism products, such as photography services, tours of buckwheat flower fields, honey production, and processing into OCOP (One Commune One Product) items, all aimed at improving local livelihoods.
During the meeting, Vice Chairman Hoang Viet Phuong also called for connecting and introducing potential Japanese tourists interested in eco-tourism and community-based tourism to Tuyen Quang, including visits to buckwheat flower fields.
The project is expected to introduce Tuyen Quang's culture, especially its culinary heritage, to Japanese visitors, and vice versa. Leveraging the reputation of the Japan-Vietnam Gastronomy Association, the initiative aims to facilitate connections between similar regions in Japan and Tuyen Quang, fostering local-level cooperation. It also seeks to support the promotion of Tuyen Quang's products in the Japanese market.
Nguyen Thanh Hieu
