Strategic partnership to enhance the oyster value chain
The MOU between Vinafis and Kunihiro Inc. establishes a robust framework for a strategic partnership dedicated to elevating the entire value chain of Vietnamese oysters to meet Japanese standards, catering to both domestic consumption and export markets. The collaboration encompasses a comprehensive array of initiatives designed to enhance the quality, competitiveness, and global marketability of Vietnamese oyster products.
A cornerstone of the partnership is Japan’s commitment to supporting Vietnam in modernizing its oyster farming regions to meet export grade standards. This involves a multifaceted approach, including the enhancement of oyster seed quality to improve adaptability to Vietnam’s marine environments, the optimization of aquaculture techniques, and the adoption of international food safety and hygiene standards. These improvements are tailored to satisfy the exacting demands of discerning markets such as Japan, the United States, and the European Union, where consumers prioritize product quality, safety, and traceability. By aligning with these global benchmarks, Vietnamese oysters are poised to gain a stronger foothold in premium international markets.
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Image 2: Oyster farm operated by Kunihiro Inc.
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Kunihiro Inc. will play a pivotal role in transferring cutting edge processing technologies to Vietnam, covering critical stages such as cleaning, flash freezing, packaging, and quality assurance. These advanced techniques are designed to extend the shelf life of oyster products while preserving their freshness and nutritional value. Moreover, the adoption of modern processing methods will significantly enhance the value added potential of Vietnamese oysters, positioning them as competitive offerings in the global marketplace. Environmentally conscious processing practices will also align with global trends toward sustainable consumption, minimizing ecological impact and appealing to eco-aware consumers worldwide.
A key objective of the partnership is the creation of a recognizable brand, “Vietnam Oysters – Japan Standards,” which will serve as a hallmark of quality and reliability. This branding initiative aims to instill confidence among international consumers by underscoring the adherence of Vietnamese oysters to Japan’s stringent quality protocols. Additionally, Japan encourages Vietnam to develop independent, standalone brands to further strengthen market recognition and consumer trust. This strategic branding effort will enable Vietnamese oysters to compete not only on quality but also on the strength of a compelling brand narrative, elevating their global market presence.
The collaboration places significant emphasis on human resource development. Japan will welcome Vietnamese engineers and workers to undergo training at Kunihiro Inc.’s facilities in Hiroshima. These training programs will provide participants with hands on exposure to state of the art production processes, advanced technologies, and Japan’s professional work culture. Beyond skill enhancement, the initiative fosters cultural exchange, strengthening the bonds between Vietnam and Japan. This exchange of expertise and cultural understanding will lay the foundation for a durable, long term partnership between the two nations.
Economic significance and bilateral relations
Dr. Nguyễn Việt Thắng, Chairman of Vinafis, emphasized that the MOU transcends economic objectives, symbolizing a deep and enduring partnership between Vietnam and Japan. This collaboration unlocks opportunities to bolster the competitiveness and sustainability of Vietnam’s fisheries sector while marking a significant evolution in bilateral relations. Moving beyond the traditional model of one way assistance, Vietnam and Japan are now equal partners in a cohesive production processing export value chain, targeting global markets with increasingly stringent demands for quality, transparency, and sustainability.
The Trade Office of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan has been instrumental in facilitating this partnership. Mr. Tạ Đức Minh, Vietnam’s Commercial Counselor in Japan, affirmed that the office will continue to support trade promotion activities, technology transfers, and market expansion efforts for Vietnamese fisheries products in Japan. The oyster value chain development project, initiated in 2023 with contributions from Mr. Minh and Liên Việt Japan Company, has garnered widespread participation from government agencies, industry associations, and private enterprises. This collective effort has created a solid foundation for the current collaboration, ensuring its long term success.
Opportunities and challenges for Vietnam’s oyster industry
Vietnam boasts over 3,000 hectares of oyster farming areas stretching from the northern to southern coasts, blessed with pristine marine waters, favorable climates, and abundant water resources. These natural advantages position Vietnam as an attractive destination for Japanese investors in the fisheries sector. The synergy between Japan’s advanced technology and Vietnam’s natural endowments holds immense promise for producing high quality oysters that meet international standards and appeal to global consumer preferences.
However, Vietnam’s fisheries industry faces formidable challenges, particularly in navigating Japan’s stringent technical barriers. Japanese consumers are renowned for their meticulous attention to food safety, traceability, and product quality. Oysters, a staple in Japan’s culinary tradition, must comply with rigorous standards regarding antibiotic residues, heavy metals, and microbial contamination. These requirements pose significant hurdles for Vietnamese enterprises seeking to penetrate and expand in the Japanese market, despite tariff advantages granted under free trade agreements such as the Vietnam - Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans - Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Japan remains a key export market for Vietnamese fisheries products. In 2024, Vietnam’s seafood exports to Japan reached USD 1.532 billion, ranking third behind the United States (USD 1.832 billion) and China (USD 1.729 billion). Yet, this figure underrepresents the market’s potential, as Japan’s demand for safe, convenient, and traceable seafood continues to grow. The partnership with Kunihiro Inc. offers Vietnam a critical opportunity to overcome technical barriers, elevate product quality, and fully capitalize on Japan’s burgeoning market.
In preparation for the MOU signing, the Vietnamese delegation undertook extensive activities in Hiroshima. On April 21, 2025, the delegation held discussions at the Hiroshima prefectural office, focusing on strategies to advance the oyster industry, with an emphasis on export requirements and the standardization of farming regions. These discussions underscored the importance of integrating modern technology and management practices to boost productivity and product quality.
On April 22, the delegation conducted field visits to Kunihiro Inc.’s offshore and coastal oyster farms, as well as its state of the art processing facilities. Japan’s closed loop production model, underpinned by advanced technology and stringent quality control, has enabled the country to conquer demanding markets like the United States and the European Union. These firsthand observations provided invaluable insights for Vietnam, particularly in adopting technology driven and management focused approaches to meet global standards.
A vision for sustainable growth
The partnership between Vinafis and Kunihiro Inc. is not solely focused on economic gains but also prioritizes sustainable development. By leveraging Japanese technology, Vietnam aims to minimize environmental impacts, optimize production efficiency, and ensure consistent product quality. The establishment of a distinct brand for Vietnamese oysters will further solidify the country’s position in the global seafood market, where traceability and quality are paramount.
With Japan’s support and Vietnam’s inherent strengths, the oyster industry is on the cusp of a transformative leap, poised to meet domestic needs while conquering international markets. The MOU represents the beginning of a long term collaboration that promises substantial economic benefits and reinforces the Vietnam - Japan partnership in the fisheries sector. In an era of globalization and intensifying competition, this collaboration exemplifies a shared vision: to build a sustainable, high quality, and globally influential fisheries industry.
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