On April 28, the celebration of the King’s Day – the National Day of the Kingdom of the Netherlands took place at the Residence of the Netherlands Ambassador in Ha Noi. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam Mr. Ha Kim Ngoc attended the event and delivered a congratulatory speech. The Netherlands Embassy warmly welcomed more than 300 distinguished Dutch and Vietnamese guests who were representatives of government agencies, businesses, civil society organisations, alumni, visitors and former staff of the Embassy at the ceremony.

This was the first on-ground celebration after a two-year hiatus due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the celebration, Ambassador Akkerman emphasised the long-lasting and trusted partnership between Vietnam and the Netherlands in the last 49 years, which never stops flourishing.

“Because of the strength and speed of its growth, Vietnam’s economy is often described as a “tiger cub” economy. The Netherlands is happy to play an important part in this growth as Vietnam’s second largest trading partner and its biggest EU investor. The fact that many Dutch companies operating in Vietnam have been ranking high in the Vietnamese charts for sustainable business practices, makes us also a proud partner. 

Jointly we want to make sure that our people have the same or even better opportunities for growth, happiness and wellbeing in the future as we have in the present and had in the past,” said Ambassador Akkerman.

During the celebration, Ambassador Elsbeth Akkerman and Vice Minister Ha Kim Ngoc heartily presented the "Five Tigers" awards to Ms. Khuat Thi Hai Oanh, Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Mr. Nguyen The Son, Mr. Joris van Tienen and Mr. Bas van Dijk for their excellent achievements, contributing to strengthening the bilateral relationship in different fields between the two countries.

“Ms. Khuat Thi Hai Oanh of Center for Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI): a true tiger, selflessly protecting and improving the lives of the most marginalized people in Vietnam whether they are suffering from illnesses or in dire straits. Oanh and her team care and actually care.

Mr. Nguyen The Son: a very talented and humble man – an artist himself and an inspiration to others. Connecting the old with the new, traditional skills with modern techniques – a keeper of cultural heritage.

Mr. Bas van Dijk, Commercial Director Asian Pacific of Royal Haskoning DHV for the achievements of his company in a number of important sectors in Vietnam, but recently for its contribution to the integrated and cross-sectoral Masterplan for the Mekong Delta that will contribute to the economic viability of the region and the livelihood of many.

Mr. Joris van Tienen, Director of Damen Son Cam for designing and building the first fully electrical tug boat in the world for the Ports of Auckland, thereby being a good example and major inspiration for the further greening of the maritime sector.

Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for his active contribution and relentless support to the Agricultural Transformation of the Mekong Delta thereby working very closely with Dutch partners.”

The "Five Tigers" award is the "Fire Tiger" artwork created by artist Xuan Lam, which is inspired by Vietnam’s traditional fire tiger and Van Gogh’s irises. This special award is a appreciative and friendship recognition towards the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands (1973 - 2023).