Our Overseas Business

Mekong Delta region, located in southern Vietnam, is a treasure trove of agricultural and aquatic resources that are essential for stable food supply. Indeed, not only Vietnam but also many other countries rely on the Mekong Delta’s agri- and aquacultural production for food security. However, this area is vulnerable to sea level rise caused by climate change and food resources in the area is at risk from damage by seawater. Therefore, protecting food supply and developing food industry in the region is considered a critical global issue.

Can Tho University (referred to as CTU), located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, is a leading national university in Vietnam renowned for its research in agriculture, aquaculture, and other related fields. As an effort to ensure long-term food security, socio-economic stability as well as sustainable development of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho University has officially established Sustainable Development of the Mekong Delta or SDMD 2045 Initiative in 2021. By bringing together various local and international partners, including universities, companies, local authorities and policy makers, the initiative provides a platform for knowledge sharing and creates collaboration opportunities in research and development towards a more sustainable Mekong Delta.

Along with the idea and attempts of CTU’s SDMD 2045, TAKESHO aims to contribute to the sustainable development of the Mekong Delta region in two ways : “adding value to raw materials of the Mekong Delta” and “strengthening international competitiveness of food companies in Vietnam,” and has agreed to the joint research agreement (below) with CTU. A memorandum of understanding was signed in 2018, and joint research activities began in 2019.

A） New Joint Research Project with CTU:

In March 2023, Dr. Ha Thanh Toan, the Rector of CTU, visited TAKESHO in Niigata, and TAKESHO and CTU signed an MOU for our new joint research project on “Science of Palatability. TAKESHO has been studying “Science of Palatability” to quantify and visualize food attributes for developing new products. In this new joint research project, we will accumulate scientific knowledge on the differences in perception of “deliciousness” between Japan and Vietnam. Based on this knowledge, we will add values to agri- and aquacultural products in the Mekong Delta Region and develop new products that matches the preferences of Vietnamese market.

C） Enhancing Partnership with VNF:

In May 2023, TAKESHO and VNF have agreed to initiate the distribution cooperation. TAKESHO is now VNF’s distribution agent for the Japanese food market. We plan to enhance our partnership in developing value-added products using by-products such as shrimp heads and shells. By making use of these underutilized materials, we hope to contribute to promoting environmental sustainability as well.