This project seeks to promote autonomous, sustainable exchange and interaction between Vietnam and Japan by providing a platform where people involved in locally based nonprofit organizations in the two countries can share their experiences and engage in exchange activities addressing their common challenges.
This year, a group of six civil society organization representatives and experts from Chiba and Ehime Prefectures visited Vietnamese provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Nam, and Vinh Long January 6-18, 2007, and participated in site tours and experience sharing seminars focused on three themes: organic agricultural products, building roadside stations, and the treatment of polluted water and well digging. About 20 people including members of relevant people's organizations (women's associations, farmers' associations), citizen leaders, and government officials (agricultural bureau, transportation bureau, environment bureau, preventive medical center, and others) participated in the seminars held in each region, for a total of 60 participants. They exchanged views on the three themes, and discussed specific ideas for potential partnerships. These activities enabled participants to deepen their mutual understanding, and generated a significant level of interest in continued exchange and cooperation.