Vietnam and Netherlands reaffirm economic relations

Sigrid Kaag, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation, is investigating the issue of water pollution in the Saigon River

Vietnam was selected as the destination for Kaag’s first trade mission since her appointment as Minister, showing the importance the Dutch government lays on its relations with Vietnam.

“As we expand our trading and investment ties with Vietnam in various sectors, the government of the Netherlands gives priority to promoting sustainability and inclusiveness. I am pleased to note the strong contribution that Dutch companies can make in this area,” said Kaag.

A large number of deals and agreements were made during the two-day visit, enhancing economic ties between the two countries.

With the two Strategic Partnerships Agreements on agriculture and on water and climate change, the two countries continue to work alongside each other towards sustainability.

Accompanying Minister Kaag was a delegation of 45 Dutch enterprises from different sectors. These enterprises were most interested in co-operation opportunities in water management, agriculture, maritime operations, aviation, logistics, smart cities, and energy.

The Dutch partner and Vietnamese partner are discussing about business co-operation in the matchmaking session in Hanoi

Many meetings took place in the two days, both at the government level and at working level. In particular, the matchmaking sessions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City contributed to strengthening trade co-operation and paving co-operation opportunities for both countries in the near future.

Kaag was also able to see the challenges of Vietnam in water management during a boat trip on the Saigon River—and could immediately link Dutch companies and knowledge institutions with relevant innovative solutions to Vietnamese partners.

During the more than four decades of co-operation, the Dutch government has supported Vietnam in many issues, including water management, women’s economic empowerment, sanitation, healthcare, labor conditions in the garment sector, and nature preservation.