Viet Nam, Netherlands see strong potential for cooperation in water resources

Viet Nam and the Netherlands are working to expand cooperation in water resources management, green transition and sustainable development, building on their Comprehensive Partnership and the strategic cooperation frameworks established over many years.

According to VGP, at a dialogue with leading Dutch companies on July 30, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang said the two countries still have considerable room to deepen cooperation in complementary sectors, including water resources management, logistics, seaports, high technology, innovation and the green transition.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the Netherlands is not only Viet Nam’s largest trading partner in the European Union (EU) but also the EU’s biggest investor in the country. During the first five months of 2026, two-way trade reached more than US$6.74 billion, up nearly 22% from the same period last year. By the end of May 2026, the Netherlands had 476 valid investment projects in Viet Nam with total registered capital exceeding US$15 billion.

As Viet Nam steps up efforts to achieve its green growth targets and strengthen climate resilience, cooperation with the Netherlands has become increasingly important. The country has extensive experience in water resources management, delta planning, flood control and climate-resilient infrastructure development.

The Vietnamese Government continues to improve the legal framework, upgrade infrastructure, and introduce incentives to attract high-quality investment, particularly in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and the green transition. Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang stressed that a transparent and stable investment environment, together with a strong support system for investors, would provide a solid foundation for businesses pursuing long-term projects in Viet Nam.

At the dialogue, many Dutch companies expressed interest in cooperation opportunities in water management, renewable energy, green infrastructure, logistics, seaports and financing models for sustainable development projects. Business representatives also welcomed Viet Nam’s institutional reform agenda and said they planned to expand their existing projects while exploring investment in the country's priority sectors.

The discussions built on the long-standing cooperation programs that the two countries have been implementing in water resources management and climate change adaptation.

Earlier this month, during a meeting between Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trinh Viet Hung and Dutch Ambassador Kees Van Baar, both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in water management, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, nature-based solutions and climate-resilient development in the Mekong Delta.

With its expertise, advanced technology and financial capacity in water management and green development, the Netherlands is expected to remain a strategic partner for Viet Nam as the country strengthens natural resource management, protects the environment and advances its low-emission development goals on the path toward sustainable growth.