Viet Nam, Finland join hands for clean technology

Finland wanted to continue promoting co-operation with Viet Nam in clean technology, Ambassador Pekka Hyvonen said.

He stressed the importance of environmental protection and sustainable development at a workshop on clean technology in Ha Noi on Monday.

Finland was one of the world’s leaders in linking economic growth and clean technology, especially liquid waste treatment and renewable energy technologies, the ambassador said.

The workshop was a good opportunity for businesses from both countries to discuss the effects of urbanisation and industrialisation, and to map out detailed programmes to implement together early next year.

Finnish experts and companies were able to provide Viet Nam with high-quality clean technology services, particularly in solutions for effective energy use to help Vietnamese firms enhance performance and raise profits, Ambassador Hyvonen said.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Le Danh Vinh hailed Finland’s assistance to Viet Nam in recent years, emphasising that Finland was Viet Nam’s first partner in clean technology.

The deputy minister said Viet Nam was aware of the effects of global climate change as well as the relationship between sustainable development and environmental protection.

The country participated in and ratified the UN convention on climate change, the Kyoto Protocol, and issued a national environmental protection strategy to 2010 and vision to 2020, Vinh said.

In addition, the ministry proposed the Government issue policies and programmes to help businesses trade backward technology for clean technology.

He described the co-operation potential in clean technology as a way to expand businesses in both countries and boost economic and trade relations in the near future.

According to the ministry, bilateral trade was at a modest US$139 million in the first nine months of this year. Finland has invested in five projects in Viet Nam, with a total registered capital of $33.4 million. — VNS

Tags: clean technology