Netherlands Assists with Green and Sustainable Development of Ho Chi Minh City

Delegates attend the ceremony. Photo: Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam

The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City held a grand ceremony on April 6th to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Netherlands diplomatic relations (April 9th, 1973-2023). This momentous occasion celebrates the strong bond of cooperation, friendship, and partnership between the two nations, as reported by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Speeches from Chairman Mai and Consul General Daniël Stork highlighted the shared commitment to discovering solutions for urgent matters. Speeches from Chairman Mai and Consul General Daniël Stork emphasised the mutual commitment to finding solutions for pressing issues.

An art performance at the event. Photo: Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam

The Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, Phan Van Mai, recently stated that the celebration of the two countries’ traditional relations is an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made and reaffirm the bilateral commitments. Additionally, he hopes that the two countries will work together to create a future with even greater cooperation and brighter prospects.

Vietnam and the Netherlands have enjoyed a strong trading relationship for many years. Since the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2019, bilateral trade between the two countries has flourished, with the Netherlands now among the top 10 export destinations for Vietnamese goods. This mutually beneficial relationship is based on the mutual understanding of both countries’ economic goals and the shared commitment to achieving them. The Netherlands is a key partner in the development of Vietnam’s economy, providing assistance in the form of investment, technology transfer, and training. Vietnamese exports to the Netherlands have grown rapidly in recent years, with products such as computers, electronics, footwear, and textiles being among the most popular export items. The Netherlands is also a major importer of Vietnamese agricultural products, such as coffee, pepper, and rubber. In return, Vietnam imports a variety of products from the Netherlands including machinery, oil and gas, and chemicals.

Vietnam and the Netherlands have established a strong trading relationship over the years, with their comprehensive strategic partnership in 2019 proving to be an important catalyst for further growth. The two countries have a mutual understanding of their respective economic goals, and this has enabled them to strengthen their bilateral trade ties. Vietnam’s exports to the Netherlands have seen significant growth in recent times, with computers, electronics, footwear, and textiles being some of the most popular items. Meanwhile, the Netherlands has become a major importer of Vietnamese agricultural products, including coffee, pepper, and rubber. In return, Vietnam imports a variety of products from the Netherlands, such as machinery, oil and gas, and chemicals. The two countries have been working together to further boost their trading relations, with a focus on advancing technology and innovation. With the continued partnership between them, it is expected that Vietnam and the Netherlands will continue to experience a strong and prosperous trading relationship for many years to come.

An art performance at the event. Photo: Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam

Based on the strong bond between the two nations, Ho Chi Minh City has consistently been at the forefront of localities that have actively sought to collaborate with the Netherlands.

Trade between Vietnam’s bustling metropolis and the European country reached USD 1.6 billion last year. Notably, the latter is currently running 185 investment projects worth over USD 5 billion, which has propelled them to fifth place out of 117 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, according to the official.

Mai also expressed his conviction that, with the commitment of leaders at all levels and the combined efforts of both countries’ people, the Vietnam-Netherlands Comprehensive Partnership will continue to develop for the benefit of both peoples, as well as for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world. Moreover, cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Dutch localities will be further strengthened.

Dutch Consul General in HCM City Daniel Stork. Photo: Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam

The relationship between the Netherlands and Vietnam continues to be strengthened, with both countries committed to tackling global issues such as climate change, sustainable agriculture, and water management. The collaboration between the two countries has seen Dutch public and business partners exchange, cooperate, and share experiences to ensure the Mekong Delta has a sustainable future and the Vietnamese coast is protected.

He declared that the Netherlands desires to strengthen the ties between the two countries’ governments, businesses, and citizens, building a connection founded on the principles of openness, diversity, and collaboration to effectively tackle the issues both countries face with lasting solutions for the future.

Meanwhile, on April 4, the Students’ Association, Vietnamese Community Association, and Women’s Union of Vietnam in the Netherlands co-organized the Open Netherlands Games in Amsterdam to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The event, the first of its kind, drew in a large number of basketball and football teams from various European countries, such as Hungary, Belgium, and France.

The Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe, the Association of Vietnamese in the Netherlands, the Vietnamese Women’s Union in the Netherlands, the Vietnamese Association in France, and Pham Van Hien, Director of LTP company in the Netherlands, have proudly sponsored the games.