Sustainability and Innovation

© Louis Fourmentin

Many positive developments are taking place in Vietnam. Sustainability is more prominent on the agenda which has led to an increasing interest in and need for circular economy, smart cities applications, or green and renewable energy development. The Netherlands is ready to join hands with Vietnam to build and implement the inventive and smart solutions for sustainable and resilient economic and livelihood development.

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1. The Ocean Clean-up in Can Tho province

he Ocean Clean-up in Can Tho province
Millions of tons of plastic enter the oceans, of which the majority spills out from rivers. If no action is taken, the plastic will impact our ecosystems, health and economies. The Ocean Cleanup developed interceptors to collect plastic in rivers before it reaches the ocean. In Vietnam, a third interceptor will soon be cleaning the Can Tho River. A fourth Interceptor is waiting for assembly and deployment in Vietnam. The Dutch missions in Vietnam are proud to contribute to this project to regenerate the blue and clean oceans.

2. First fully electric tug

Image: ©Damen Song Cam
The world's first fully electric tug is built in Vietnam by the Dutch company Damen Shipyards. Operating in the port of Auckland, this tugboat is a meaningful contribution to the decarbonization of port operations, a greener maritime sector as well as a more sustainable world. Vietnam, New Zealand and the Netherlands are committed to global sustainability, and the participation of the private sector is key. ‘A true and meaningful difference in sustainable development and climate action can only be achieved if governments, companies and consumers work together and co-create triple win solutions,’ says ambassador Elsbeth Akkerman. 

3. Offshore wind energy

Image: ©Damen Song Cam

Offshore wind energy plays an important role in the energy transition in the Netherlands as well as in Vietnam. The foundation for a strategic cooperation between both countries was laid in 2017, followed by a number of studies and trade missions to facilitate sustainable energy work plans and business activities. In 2019, the Vietnamese business delegation attended the Offshore Wind Energy Exhibition and Conference in Amsterdam. This visit aimed to increase the bilateral cooperation amongst all stakeholders with the objectives of sharing knowledge, data, technologies and best practices.

In the framework of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte ’s visit to Vietnam, a meeting with Ba Ria Vung Tau People's Committee took place to discuss the development of an offshore wind energy project in the province. In 2020, Ambassador Elsbeth Akkerman discussed with Vietnamese Vice Minister of Industry and Trade Mr. Hoang Quoc Vuong and Deputy Director of Vietsov Petro Mr. Vu Mai Khanh on the initiatives and activities to support energy port development and establish business cooperation with Dutch companies in developing offshore-wind power projects in Vietnam. They also discussed the co-operation to improve the capacity as well as support the policymakers on the planning of offshore-wind energy towards a sustainable and green energy sector in Vietnam.