KAO and PSAV Establish a Framework for Sustainable Agriculture Cooperation

Marking its 30th anniversary of operations in Vietnam, KAO Vietnam on October 6 announced a series of initiatives to support sustainable agricultural development, drawing on its technological capabilities and expertise in developing chemical-based solutions.

The initiatives aim to contribute to improving agricultural production efficiency in a more sustainable manner, in cooperation with the Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture in Vietnam (PSAV) and relevant stakeholders.

The ceremony announcing initiatives to support sustainable agriculture cooperation between Vietnam and Japan. Photo: Kieu Chi.

Leveraging Strengths in Science, Technology and Chemicals

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep highlighted KAO’s strengths in science, technology and chemicals, as well as the company’s commitment to sustainable development, efficient resource use, emissions and waste reduction, and sound chemical management. These orientations are closely aligned with Vietnam’s goals of green transformation and sustainable agricultural development.

The Deputy Minister encouraged KAO to focus on three key areas: science, technology and green production; innovation and enhancing the value of agricultural products; and strengthening linkages and public-private cooperation.

Looking ahead, KAO Vietnam aims to further expand the areas where the company can contribute, supporting sustainable growth and the development of a more sustainable agricultural sector.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep delivers opening remarks at the ceremony. Photo: Organizing Committee.

Building on decades of research and expertise in surface optimization technology, KAO has developed an approach to controlling interactions between liquids and solid surfaces to improve the efficiency of pesticide application.

The technology focuses on the interaction between spray droplets and plant leaf surfaces, which are often highly water-repellent. By improving wetting, coverage and absorption of agricultural chemicals, the technology can help reduce the amount of pesticides required while maintaining their effectiveness, thereby enhancing safety and optimizing input costs for the agricultural sector.

Given the diversity of crops and changes in farming practices in Vietnam, KAO seeks to leverage its technological capabilities and expertise in chemicals to identify solutions suited to local conditions and contribute to improved agricultural productivity.

Expanding Impact through Partnership Networks

To bring these technologies into practical application in Vietnam’s agricultural sector, KAO Vietnam is working with the Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture in Vietnam (PSAV) to explore opportunities for jointly developing solutions and sharing knowledge and experience in agriculture.

At the announcement ceremony in Hanoi, KAO Vietnam and PSAV also outlined their direction for establishing a cooperation framework in the coming period. This initiative represents KAO Vietnam’s continued efforts to contribute to Vietnamese society and address social and environmental challenges through technology, expertise and collaboration with partners.

Mr. Shintaro Yasue, General Director of KAO Vietnam, presents the direction for cooperation between KAO Vietnam and PSAV. Photo: Organizing Committee.

Mr. Shintaro Yasue, General Director of KAO Vietnam, said: “Sustainable agriculture is one of KAO Vietnam’s key visions. By combining KAO’s technology and expertise with the knowledge, experience and perspectives of our partners, we can work together to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector and create greater value for society.”

Through its cooperation with PSAV, KAO Vietnam seeks to combine KAO’s technological capabilities with local agricultural knowledge and practical experience to identify appropriate solutions and contribute to the long-term development of sustainable agriculture in Vietnam.

According to Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and Director of the PSAV Secretariat, PSAV serves as a public-private partnership platform of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, connecting stakeholders across value chains to identify priority issues, mobilize resources and promote collaborative initiatives that respond to practical needs.

These efforts contribute to PSAV’s 20-20-20 goals: increasing productivity by 20%, reducing poverty by 20%, and reducing emissions by 20%.

The event reaffirmed the shared direction of the PPP Task Force and multi-stakeholder cooperation activities, encouraging the application of science and technology, strengthening production capacity and enhancing value-chain linkages. Photo: Kieu Chi.

KAO Vietnam and PSAV will continue to explore opportunities to connect KAO’s technology and expertise with the practical needs of Vietnam’s agricultural sector. The two sides will also broaden engagement with relevant stakeholders to identify and propose new approaches, contributing to improved farming efficiency and the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.