Developing a supply chain data management solution for agricultural products with Sun Wah Group

On the afternoon of May 28th, Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung received and held a working meeting with Mr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of Sun Wah Group (Hong Kong).

The bilateral meeting focused on cooperation in agricultural product traceability and data governance; application of science and technology in production and processing; development of smart agriculture ; and environmental protection.

Applying science and technology , digital transformation along the value chain.

Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung highly appreciated the cooperation activities between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and Sun Wah in the past, not only in the field of trade but also in building value chains, developing brands and expanding markets for Vietnamese agricultural products, especially to China.

A bilateral meeting between Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung and Chairman of Sun Wah Group (Hong Kong) Jonathan Choi. Photo: Kieu Chi.

According to the Deputy Minister, Vietnamese agriculture is undergoing a strong shift from a production-oriented mindset to an agricultural economy based on value chains and oriented towards sustainable value. Requirements for food safety, branding, traceability, circular economy, green economy, and emission reduction are increasingly becoming core elements of the industry.

The Deputy Minister proposed that both sides continue to expand trade promotion activities, trade fairs, and the promotion of the image of Vietnamese agricultural products; strengthen cooperation in the transfer of science and technology, especially experience from major Chinese partners in the fields of livestock, aquaculture, and crop cultivation.

Furthermore, both sides need to promote the application of science and technology, digital transformation, traceability, and the development of an agricultural database; and coordinate in proposing appropriate strategies to promote sustainable agricultural production and bring the highest efficiency and benefits to businesses and people.

Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung presented four proposals for cooperation to Chairman Jonathan Choi. Photo: Kieu Chi.

Starting from the seafood sector, Sun Wah Group has now expanded significantly into coffee, cashews, durian, and many other agricultural products. Beyond its trading activities, Sun Wah also implements numerous training and technology transfer programs for farmers. Chairman Jonathan Choi reported that training courses on ancient tea trees in Kunming have attracted many Vietnamese tea growers to learn about cultivation, processing, preliminary processing, and packaging of the product.

Regarding fresh flowers, instead of just exporting to Vietnam, Sun Wah Group hopes to jointly develop high-value flower varieties for cultivation in Da Lat. Mr. Jonathan Choi also stated that the soil and climate conditions of Yunnan and Guangxi have many similarities with some localities in Vietnam that grow medicinal herbs.

Priority is given to collaborations with Sun Wah's four strategic companies.

At the meeting, four strategic companies under the Sun Wah Group presented proposals for cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

Accordingly, Mr. Liu Minyuan, General Manager of Sun Wah's Yunnan National Tea Company, proposed collaborating on building a comprehensive training system for Vietnamese tea growers and establishing a national tea ceremony system based on national standards.

According to Mr. Liu Minyuan: "Vietnam has the opportunity to build a national tea brand model associated with raw material area standards, quality classification systems, traceability, digitalization, and packaging standards." He also proposed developing a tea tourism model combining culture and experiences to increase the value of the tea industry.

The chairman affirmed that the four companies that came to work with him brought strategic technologies from Sun Wah Group. Photo: Kieu Chi.

Regarding cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence solutions for agriculture, Mr. Zhou Yuanliang, representative of Inspur Intelligent Terminal Equipment Co., Ltd., said that the company is ready to cooperate in applying AI and remote sensing technology to intelligently manage light, temperature, water, air, and soil in agricultural production. Solutions for aquaculture and livestock farming also integrate various technologies such as water quality monitoring, intelligent oxygen aeration, precision feeding, and disease prevention.

Mr. Li Gang, CEO of Lingnong Agricultural Technology Company (Shanghai), shared solutions for microbial products that help reduce pesticide residue, aligning with the trend of sustainable green agriculture. These products can improve soil, restore fertility, regulate soil microorganisms, and reduce soil compaction after intensive farming. Furthermore, they offer natural antibacterial properties, enhance resistance, limit harmful fungi, reduce diseases such as root rot and wilting, and help cut pesticide use by approximately 30-40%.

In the environmental field, Mr. Fang Lei, General Director of the Vietnam Representative Office of MCC Construction Group, stated that the company wishes to cooperate with Vietnamese agencies to research integrated management models suitable to local conditions, combining water environmental treatment with the renovation of old urban areas and the development of ecological landscapes. According to him, managing inland rivers should not be limited to dredging or building wastewater treatment plants, but requires comprehensive planning and long-term operational mechanisms.

After listening to the presentations, Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung highly appreciated the specific cooperation proposals from the Chinese side, which are in line with Vietnam's orientation towards green agriculture development, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

According to the Deputy Minister: "The opinions focused on issues we are concerned about, such as developing specialty tea growing areas, environmentally friendly farming practices, managing growing areas, traceability, modernizing industry data management, and addressing water pollution."

Concluding the meeting, the Deputy Minister proposed that the two sides should soon organize seminars to connect and exchange experiences, transforming cooperation ideas into concrete action programs in the near future.