Vietnam, Netherlands boost cooperation in climate change response, agriculture
VOV.VN - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has begun a visit to the Netherlands at the invitation of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The visit is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in climate change and agriculture.
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Sustainable agriculture partners
The two countries are both big agricultural exporters and both face severe challenges from climate change, especially in agricultural water management. In past years, the Netherlands has provided Vietnam with technical assistance in vegetable, fruit, livestock, and fishery production. The two have signed a number of cooperative agreements in meat production, potato production, and slaughtering technology.
The Netherlands has helped Vietnam develop national strategies for water management in food production and the ecological system, ensuring food security, sustainable tuna production, and participation in international fishery agreements. With the Netherlands’ help, Vietnam conducted Environment Impact Assessment in tra and basa fish production in the Mekong River Delta.
Dutch companies including ABC Logistics, Kooppert Biological, and Hortimax have visited Vietnam to seek partners and brought to Vietnam advanced technology to increase added values for Vietnamese agricultural products.
The two countries signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in 2014.
Vietnam-Netherlands cooperation in climate change developed as a role model
Vietnam and the Netherlands established a strategic partnership in climate change and water management in 2010. At the 6th session of the Inter-Governmental Committee in the Netherlands in April, the two sides discussed implementation of the Mekong River Delta Plan.
They agreed on specific steps and financial plans to implement a program on sea level rise and climate change adaptation in Ho Chi Minh city, water management in the Red River and Thai Binh river in the 2020-2030 period and vision 2050, and prospects of the Program on Geodata for Agriculture and Water Facility.
The two sides have strengthened bilateral cooperation in climate change at the local level. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Vinh Long, An Giang and Dong Thap provinces have cooperated with Dutch localities in green urban areas, water supply, water drainage, waste water treatment, water management, climate change, and flood control in the Red River. They have also worked closely in urban management, infrastructure development, energy, and smart transport.
Vietnam hopes that the Netherlands will continue to share experience and provide human and financial support to help Vietnam fight drought, saline intrusion, and soil erosion.
