Japan, Viet Nam boost cooperation on flood and disaster risk management

During a working visit to Japan, a delegation from Viet Nam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, led by Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep, held talks with Mr. Hirose Masayoshi, Vice Minister of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), on cooperation in disaster prevention and climate change adaptation.

At the meeting, both sides discussed priorities for future cooperation, focusing on preventing flash floods and landslides, improving water management, and strengthening disaster risk management. They called for effective implementation of the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding and expanded technical cooperation and knowledge sharing.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep highly appreciated Japan’s support through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to strengthen Viet Nam’s disaster prevention capacity, including the pilot SABO dam project in Son La and flood-control planning studies in central Viet Nam.

The Japanese side shared its experience in developing and operating SABO dam systems, as well as its integrated approach to managing flash floods and landslides by combining structural measures with land-use management. Japan also introduced basin-based flood-control models and advanced urban flood-mitigation solutions.

During the visit, the delegation also met with JICA leadership to discuss ongoing cooperation projects and explore new support programs in disaster prevention, water resource management, and climate change adaptation.

Both sides agreed to further enhance coordination, promote technical cooperation projects, and mobilize ODA resources, contributing to strengthening Viet Nam’s disaster resilience and ensuring sustainable development and public safety.

The delegation also visited a disaster management center and learned about SABO dam operations in Japan. They are scheduled to conduct field visits to key disaster-prevention facilities, including SABO dams in Gunma Prefecture and flood-control systems in the Tone River basin.