On June 16, 2026, Hai Phong City organized a reception for a Japanese delegation to visit and conduct a field survey at the Thanh Ha lychee growing area and Chu Dau Ceramic Joint Stock Company. The visit was intended not only to strengthen friendship but also to open up prospects for bringing Hai Phong's key agricultural products further into the Japanese market.
Connecting Friendship and Developing Commodity Agriculture
Following the direction of the City People's Committee, the Department of Agriculture and Environment presided over and coordinated with the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Industry and Trade, and Education and Training to organize the reception program for the Japanese delegation. The delegation consisted of approximately 20 members, including representatives of Japanese businesses, organizations, and localities, led by Mr. Yushita Hiroyuki, the former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam.
The first stop for the delegation was Chu Van An Secondary School in Thanh Ha commune. Here, Mr. Yushita Hiroyuki and the members held a warm exchange with the school's teachers and students, gifting many picture books and souvenirs. This activity held deep humanitarian significance, aimed at encouraging a reading culture and enhancing understanding and cultural exchange between the people of the two countries starting from the younger generation. Sharing his feelings, Mr. Yushita Hiroyuki expressed his impression of the positive changes in the locality after more than 30 years of his association with Vietnam, particularly the remarkable development of commodity agriculture in Hai Phong.
Surveying the Ancestral Lychee Tree Area and Agricultural Export Potential
The focus of the working trip was the survey activity at the Thanh Ha Ancestral Lychee Tree Relic in Thuy Lam Village, Thanh Ha Commune. Mr. Tran Van Quan, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong City People's Committee, along with leaders of various departments and sectors, directly received and introduced the delegation to the history and the special care process that created the renowned Thanh Ha lychee brand.
At this location, the Japanese delegation members heard representatives of the family of Mr. Hoang Van Com share stories about the origin of the ancestral lychee tree and the cultural values associated with this land. The delegation particularly praised the quality and the distinctive delicious flavor of Thanh Ha lychees. Directly surveying the growing area helped Japanese businesses gain a deeper understanding of the safe production process, thereby building trust and a foundation for future trade agreements.
To further enrich the program, the delegation visited Chu Dau Ceramic Joint Stock Company in Thai Tan commune. Artisans introduced the history and the sophisticated manual production process of the traditional ceramic line. Delegation members expressed admiration for the skillful hands of Vietnamese workers and highly valued the artistic value of Chu Dau ceramic products—a cultural symbol of the locality.
Positive Results and Expectations for Sustainable Cooperation
Evaluating the visit, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed that the program was conducted safely and effectively, achieving the set strategic objectives. The event successfully promoted the local image, especially the two "specialties"—lychees and Chu Dau ceramics—to Japanese investors.
Based on the survey results, Hai Phong City has set out many expectations and key cooperation orientations for the coming time:
- Expanding Export Markets: Hai Phong desires to strengthen the connection between domestic export enterprises and Japanese partners to bring Thanh Ha lychees and other key agricultural products into the distribution system of Japan.
- Investment and Technology Cooperation: The city encourages Japanese businesses to explore investment opportunities in high-tech agriculture and post-harvest preservation to increase the added value of local agricultural products.
- Promoting Cultural Diplomacy: Continuing to maintain people-to-people exchange activities, book donations, and the promotion of traditional craft villages to create a comprehensive cooperative environment.
- Strengthening the Bridging Role of Diplomatic Agencies: The city will coordinate even more closely with the Vietnam Trade Office in Japan to organize regular trade promotion activities and business connections.
At the conclusion of the working session, the locality and Chu Dau Ceramic Company presented the delegation with ripe lychees and unique ceramic products as a sincere invitation for cooperation. The survey by the Japanese delegation on June 16, 2026, serves as an important premise for Hai Phong's agricultural products to "take off," asserting their position and prestige in a demanding international market like Japan.