15 May, 2026
Vietnam Rice Cooperation – Philippines: Journey Connecting from Ninh Binh Fields to Davao Capital
Ninh Binh – Within the framework of a working visit to Vietnam to tighten agricultural partnerships, day 14 month 5 year 2026, The Philippine high-level delegation led by Mr. Dony had an important working session at Cuong Tan Company Limited. This is one of the leading enterprises in Vietnam in the field of hybrid rice production and business, currently plays the role of economic nucleus in Truc Hung industrial park, belongs to the new Ninh Binh province (merged from Nam Dinh province, Old Ha Nam and Ninh Binh).
Panorama of the meeting between the Philippine delegation and Cuong Tan Company Limited
The meeting not only stopped at visiting the infrastructure but also opened a new chapter in rice cooperation between the two countries., Focus on providing high quality seeds, share farming experiences and create sustainable agricultural value chains.
Cuong Tan: 30 years affirming its position as "Vietnamese Golden Seed"
Welcoming the delegation at headquarters, Mr. Doan Van Sau – Director of Cuong Tan Company Limited – with Mr. Lam Van Chieu – Deputy Director of the company – expressed his honor to welcome friends from the Philippines. In a sincere atmosphere, Mr. Doan Van Sau reviewed the company's journey of nearly three decades of development.
Mr. Doan Van Sau – Director and Mr. Lam Van Chieu – Deputy Director of Cuong Tan Co., Ltd. received the Philippine delegation
Established and started focusing on hybrid rice since year 1997 in the old land of Nam Dinh, Cuong Tan has created historical turning points for Vietnam's agricultural industry. The biggest impression is the acquisition of copyright of the two-line hybrid rice variety TH3-3 from the Vietnam Academy of Agriculture in 2019. 2008 with value up to more 10 billions dong – a record number at the time. Since then, Cuong Tan continuously invests in research, Technology transfer and construction of large-scale seed production areas across the country, from Nghe An, Gia Lai to Dak Lak.
The current, The company's factory in Ninh Binh achieves impressive productivity with an annual output of more than 2.000 tons of rice seeds and more 3.000 tons of high quality commercial rice. With a food safety management system meeting ISO standards 22000:2018, Cuong Tan's products have conquered the most demanding markets in the world.
Mr. Doan Van Sau led the group to visit the factory producing high quality rice seeds and rice
Reaching international level: From Cuba, The United States comes to the "heart" of Europe
During the working session, The Philippine delegation was particularly impressed with Cuong Tan's export capacity. Not only does it stop at ensuring domestic food security, The company has brought Vietnam's "seeds of happiness" to the world.
- Imprint in Cuba: Cuong Tan's CT16 hybrid rice variety has caused a "fever" in this island nation when it reached its productivity 7 – 8 tons / ha, twice as high as traditional local rice varieties. This is the clearest proof of the adaptability of Vietnamese rice varieties to different soil conditions, opens up great cooperation opportunities for countries with similar conditions like the Philippines.
- Conquer the US market: Cuong Tan is one of the few Vietnamese businesses that successfully exported seeds to the US, meets the country's strict quality and quarantine standards.
- Vietnamese green rice flavor in Europe: High quality rice lines, especially Huong Com rice, is present in major supermarkets in Germany, China is always the biggest market, France. Thanks to effectively taking advantage of the EVFTA Agreement, Cuong Tan rice has affirmed its leading position in terms of deliciousness, flexible and food safe in the EU market.
Link model 5 sao: Sustainable livelihood for farmers
At the meeting, Mr. Doan Van Sau shared about the company's core business philosophy: “If farmers are rich, businesses will be strong”. Cuong Tan operates under a closed offtake model, from seed supply, organic fertilizers to guide clean production processes for farmers.
The unique feature of this model is the form of contracted harvesting and buying back the excess rice at market price, Helps farmers feel secure about output, and have more motivation to take care of rice to achieve the highest yield. It is this closely linked model that ensures consistent rice quality, meeting strict export standards while directly improving the lives of thousands of farming households in Ninh Binh and branches nationwide.
Potential for cooperation in Vietnam – Philippines: Towards 2026 and beyond
Mr. Dony, Philippine delegation leader, expressed admiration for Cuong Tan's operating model. He emphasized that the Philippines is currently Vietnam's largest rice import partner, with import plans 3,6 million tons of rice per year 2026. However, The goal of this delegation is not only to trade goods but also to find reliable partners to transfer rice seed technology and experience in agricultural mechanization..
TS. Tran Dang Khoa, Deputy head of the delegation and interpreter, On behalf of the delegation, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the company's leaders: “We see Cuong Tan not only as a rice producer but as an agricultural knowledge center. Comprehensive cooperation between the two sides will help the Philippines improve food independence through high-yield hybrid rice varieties."
The two sides discussed in depth the possibility of importing rice varieties such as CT16 and Huong Com to the Philippines, At the same time, organize expert exchange programs to learn from each other's rice farming experiences. Mr. Dony shared, He felt the sincerity from Mr. Sau and considered this a relationship between "good friends" rather than pure business partners..
Mr. Dony felt the sincerity from Mr. Sau's side and considered this a relationship between "good friends" rather than pure business partners.
Invitation to Davao and a meal imbued with friendship
At the end of the working session, An emotional event took place when Mr. Dony warmly extended an invitation to the Board of Directors of Cuong Tan Co., Ltd. to visit the Philippines in September. 6 next, on the occasion of celebrating the establishment of the state of Davao – The land is known as the "Coconut Capital" but also has huge agricultural potential of the Philippines, especially the rice industry. Mr. Dony affirmed that the Philippines will cover all accommodation costs and looks forward to welcoming Vietnamese friends in his homeland..
To respond to that feeling, Mr. Doan Van Sau and Mr. Lam Van Chieu invited the delegation to an intimate meal at the company. Special thing, The main dish of the meal is Huong Com rice – Specialty rice produced by Cuong Tan and being exported to the EU. The scent of pandan leaves blends with the scent of young rice flakes emanating from a bowl of white rice, The fragrant aroma has made members of the Philippine delegation endlessly praise it.
Before breaking up, Company leaders gave the delegation gifts imbued with cultural and brand identity: Set of professional brand identification brochures, Large bucket hats are associated with the image of hardworking Vietnamese farmers in the sun and wind, and especially bags of special Huong Com rice.. Mr. Doan Van Sau happily accepted the invitation and promised to visit Davao next month to realize cooperation commitments..
Conclude
The visit of the Philippine delegation to Cuong Tan Co., Ltd. on 14/5/2026 closed with smiles and firm handshakes. Go beyond the numbers of output and turnover, This is a testament to the power of trust and the spirit of cooperation and development. Cuong Tan rice seeds from Ninh Binh fields, carrying the enthusiasm of Vietnamese farmers, is ready to sprout and spread its fragrance in the Philippines, contributing to building a sustainable and prosperous Southeast Asian agricultural community.
The moment of farewell was full of affection
Some other pictures from the business trip:
Perform: Thanh Vinh – Deputy Head of Technology Department
