VN needs Dutch port, coastal experience

Vietnam needs cooperation and experience from marine powers in the world, especially the Netherlands and the seaport city of Rotterdam, said Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai.

Deputy PM Hai made the statement at a seminar in Hanoi on Mar. 29 on the Rotterdam seaport model – a potential partnership with Vietnam.

The event, which was held by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, is under the framework of the visit to Vietnam by Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima.

Deputy PM Hai stressed that the marine economy plays a key role in Vietnam’s overall economy. Seaports and marine transport were an important part of the country’s marine economy development strategy.

He said he hoped that the Netherlands would share its know-how and experience in seaport management with Vietnam, to help the latter attain the goal of modernizing its seaport system and rapidly integrating into the region and the world.

He expressed his belief that the two sides would find common ground to create suitable cooperation models between Rotterdam in the Netherlands and major ports in Vietnam.

At the seminar, Le Tuan Anh, representative of Vietnam Maritime Administration, emphasized the geographical advantages and capacity of developing seaports in Vietnam, as well as opportunities to invest in the country’s seaports.

The leading seaport experts from the Netherlands shared their experience in investing and developing the port of Rotterdam, as well as the operation model of the port.

The same day, experts from the Netherlands and Vietnam gathered at another seminar in Hanoi, discussing cooperation models for the two sides in coastal management and design and inspection of sea dykes in order to mitigate the risks of natural disasters and climate change.

Head of the Dyke Department Tran Quang Hoai said that Vietnam was among one of five countries facing the most serious impacts from climate change, including rising sea levels and challenges in coastal protection.

Also addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dao Xuan Hoc asked the Netherlands to help Vietnam complete the pre-feasibility project to implement coastal management and sea dyke inspection effectively.

Joop Atsma, Dutch State Secretary in charge of Infrastructure and Environment, said Vietnam and the Netherlands share many similarities, including a long coastline and millions of people living along the coast, who are vulnerable to impacts of natural disasters. With its experience, the Netherlands was ready to cooperate with Vietnam and expected that the two sides would have optimal measures to effectively manage the coastal region and sea dykes of Vietnam.

Tags: coastal experience, VN needs Dutch port