A 'green growth connection' bridging Vietnam and the Netherlands: Ambassador Ngo Huong Nam
WVR - Vietnamese Ambassador to the Netherlands Ngo Huong Nam highlights key similarities that have “bonded” Vietnam and the Netherlands in their joint pursuit of green growth.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to the Netherlands Ngo Huong Nam. (Source: Embassy of Vietnam in the Netherlands) |
Ambassador Ngo Huong Nam said the two countries established their “Strategic partnership on climate change adaptation and water management” in 2010, marking a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation to tackle global environmental challenges. This year commemorates the 15th anniversary of this strategic partnership.
Within the broader framework of the comprehensive partnership, the Vietnam-Netherlands relationship encompasses two strategic pillars: the strategic partnership on climate change adaptation and water management, and the strategic partnership on sustainable agriculture and food security. Both strategic partnerships have played a crucial role in advancing green growth in Vietnam.
From shared juncture to shared journey
Ambassador Ngo Huong Nam pointed out that the two countries' most prominent achievements in green growth cooperation are concentrated in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region.
Noting many similarities between the Netherlands and the Mekong Delta, Ambassador Nam likened the Delta to a “Dutch counterpart” in Vietnam, given the comparable size and population. While the Netherlands lies below sea level and is heavily affected by sea-level rise and climate change, projections suggest that nearly half of the Mekong Delta could fall below sea level in the next century without timely interventions.
Recognizing this similarity, the Netherlands has supported Vietnam in developing an integrated master plan for the Mekong Delta, which includes solutions for climate-resilient green agriculture, particularly in response to sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion. One of the Netherlands’ most significant contributions has been encouraging a shift in mindset—from “fighting against nature” to “living in harmony with nature.” For example, instead of costly solutions to block salinity, Vietnam has transitioned from rice cultivation to shrimp farming in saline-affected areas, reducing costs and yielding high economic returns. As a result, Vietnam has become one of the world’s leading shrimp exporters.
Beyond planning support, the Netherlands has also directly assisted Vietnam in implementing these plans, involving Dutch companies with strong expertise in green finance and technology.
“On an official visit to Vietnam in November 2023, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte remarked that the Mekong Delta felt like a part of the Netherlands. In that sense, the Delta represents a meaningful bond that connects the two nations in their journey toward green growth”, Ambassador Nam emphasized.
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| Ambassador Ngo Huong Nam visits the wind farm of Pondera, a company seeking to invest in offshore wind power in Thai Binh province. (Source: Embassy of Vietnam in the Netherlands) |
Trust in the future
As a founding and active member of the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) summit, the Netherlands has taken a pioneering role in addressing climate change, driving green transformation, and advancing digital transition.
Ambassador Nam believes that Vietnam can learn from the Dutch experience in delta and coastal management as part of its climate adaptation strategy. The Netherlands has implemented a delta programme with a vision toward 2050, focusing on water management and protecting delta areas from climate impacts. Viet Nam can also apply green and nature-based technologies to safeguard the Mekong Delta, Red River Delta, and coastal zones.
Citing his personal experience in The Hague, where the Vietnamese Embassy is located, Ambassador Nam shared that the city lies 2 meters below sea level; Amsterdam is 3 meters below, with areas even lower by 6-7 meters. Nevertheless, daily life in the Netherlands remains peaceful and free from flooding.
“That experience gives me confidence. If Vietnam follows the Netherlands’ example, we need not fear sea-level rise”, the Ambassador remarked.
In pursuit of sustainable agriculture, the Netherlands has embraced high-tech practices such as greenhouse cultivation, which conserves water and fertilizers while minimizing pesticide use. Since the strategic partnership on sustainable agriculture and food security was established in 2014, it has proven highly effective in helping Vietnam develop a greener agricultural sector.
The Netherlands also promotes low-emission production through circular economy models for instance, turning food waste into animal feed. According to Ambassador Nam, Vietnam could adopt such models to reduce environmental impact.
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| Ambassador Ngo Huong Nam visits the Amsterdam waste-to-energy plant, the largest of its kind in Europe. (Source: Embassy of Vietnam in the Netherlands) |
Today, the Netherlands is expanding cooperation with Vietnam in renewable energy, green logistics, and other fields. With vast potential, Ambassador Nam expressed confidence that strengthening ties with the Netherlands will enhance Vietnam’s capacity for green economic transition, contributing to sustainable national development.
Recognizing the pivotal role of enterprises in promoting green economic growth, Ambassador Nam noted that the Vietnamese Embassy in the Netherlands has been actively connecting businesses from both countries. The Embassy continues to foster green investment, technology transfer, and sustainable trade solutions from the Netherlands to Vietnam.
In 2024 alone, the Embassy has welcomed and coordinated visits from delegations representing nearly half of Vietnam’s provinces and cities, all aiming to explore economic cooperation with the Netherlands. It has organized five seminars on investment, trade, and tourism promotion, and supported the signing of 10 cooperation agreements between localities and businesses.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Embassy is working closely with the Dutch Business Association in Vietnam (DBAV) to encourage the Dutch Parliament to ratify the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). This effort aims to create favorable conditions for the Netherlands to maintain its position as the largest European investor and trading partner in Vietnam in the years to come.
Ahead of the 2025 P4G Vietnam Summit, Ambassador Nam expressed hope that the event will be a great success, providing renewed momentum for Vietnam’s green growth journey in the future.
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| Vietnam-Netherlands trade promotion and business networking conference in The Hague, December 2024. (Source: Embassy of Vietnam in the Netherlands) |
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