Netherlands to share “Sand Motor” model to help Vietnam ensure environmental sustainability
Ambassador Kees van Baar affirmed that the Netherlands will work with several international organisations to support Vietnam in sustainable water resource management, environmental impact assessment, knowledge and experience sharing, and provision of both grant aid and loans.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha (R) and Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar at their meeting in Hanoi on August 14. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Netherlands has committed to promoting the application of its Sand Motor technology and other advanced initiatives in Vietnam to meet economic development needs while protecting natural resources and ensuring sustainable, nature-based growth, Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar told Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha at their meeting in Hanoi on August 14.
At the reception, the deputy PM underlined the long-term strategic partnership between the two countries in climate change response and water resources management, and expressed his appreciation for the Netherlands’ long-standing cooperation with Vietnam in related projects, especially in the Mekong Delta.
Given the high demand for construction sand for transport infrastructure and socio-economic development projects, Ha said Dutch enterprises, with their technology and expertise in exploiting and processing marine sand into construction material, could help determine sustainable extraction costs and capacities for Vietnam’s marine sand mines, thereby providing sustainable building materials.
He also hoped the European nation would share its “Sand Motor” model – a method for studying the impacts of waves, tides, and currents on the movement and shape of sand formations in coastal areas, so that Vietnam could apply it directly to both protect the environment and meet development needs.
The Deputy PM further proposed that the two sides strengthen cooperation in water resource management and planning, such as irrigation works in Vietnam’s Red River basin, to retain water during the dry season, prevent saltwater intrusion, and secure freshwater for major urban areas in the Southeast Asian country.
Ambassador Kees van Baar affirmed that the Netherlands will work with several international organisations to support Vietnam in sustainable water resource management, environmental impact assessment, knowledge and experience sharing, and provision of both grant aid and loans./.
In a recent interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2025, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Vietnam Kees van Baar shared his assessments of Vietnam’s socio-economic development and international integration in 2024, the development of the two countries’ relations in various fields, and the potential for cooperation in semi-conductor industry.
A business forum was held by the Dutch Embassy in Vietnam in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on November 27, seeking ways for sustainable aquaculture in the region.
The Lao Party, Government, and public security force have always recognised that the achievements and victories of the force during the struggle for national liberation and in the current period of protecting and developing the country are closely linked to the solidarity and valuable assistance of its Vietnamese counterpart.
Noting the strategic significance of connecting the Vietnam–China railway connectivity, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said that routes such as Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong, Hanoi–Lang Son, and Hanoi–Mong Cai will enhance logistics efficiency, promote socio-economic development in localities of both countries, and contribute to improving Vietnam’s operational capacity and access to modern railway technology.
in the first half of 2025, Vietnam’s customs sector handled 8,561 violations, with a total goods value exceeding 13.6 trillion VND (517.79 million USD). In border areas with China alone, 1,588 smuggling cases involving 59 billion VND were detected.
Vietnam and Thailand discussed the situation and outcomes of their coordination in drug prevention and control; shared experience in implementing drug rehabilitation and demand reduction; and made recommendations for cooperation to enhance capacity in combating and preventing crimes, drug forensics, tracing the origins of drugs, and carrying out rehabilitation work in the coming time.
General Secretary Lam and CPP President Hun Sen informed each other about the situation of each Party and country; exchanged views on regional and international developments, relations between the two Parties and countries, and issues of mutual concern. They also reviewed and assessed the results of bilateral cooperation, and agreed on key directions to further deepen the relationship.
Party chief To Lam's state visit to the RoK helped deepen political trust, strengthen the good personal relations between the two countries' high-ranking leaders, and deepen the Vietnam–RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan said the Han and Red Rivers - each with its historic miracle - should now converge on a “sea of prosperity,” with both nations setting sail together toward industrial growth, energy advancement, and technological innovation.
Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane said Vietnam's historical achievements serve as tremendous encouragement and motivation for Laos, fueling its national development efforts.
Vietnam always stands ready to engage in frank and constructive discussions with the US on remaining differences to enhance mutual understanding, contributing positively to the development of the Vietnam – US comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
The All People's Security Safeguard Festival in Tuyen Quang province, the consolidation of the national steering committee for the implementation of Vietnam’s commitments at COP26, and the banking sector's completion of a comprehensive review of all customer records are among news highlights on August 14.
The visit will be made at the invitation of Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and his spouse, according to an announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The meeting approved the list of official and alternate delegates for the NA’s first Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term. It also endorsed the criteria, number, structure, and proposed allocation of personnel of the NA delegation to attend the 14th National Party Congress slated for early 2026.
The Party leader expressed his confidence that with a proud revolutionary tradition and new momentum, Tuyen Quang will seize opportunities, fully unlock its potential, and confidently contribute to national development goals and the journey toward socialism.
As a coastal nation with strategic and economic interests closely tied to peace and security in the East Sea, Vietnam affirmed its consistent position of resolving all disputes via peaceful means in accordance with international laws, including the UNCLOS.
Anjuska Marija Weil, President of the Switzerland–Vietnam Friendship Association, has shown her great pride to witness the strong growth of Vietnam - a nation she and her Swiss comrades once campaigned passionately for its peace and justice.
Party General Secretary To Lam praised Tuyen Quang’s launch of the “all-people’s security proection” movement in recent years, particularly in Tan Trao, a locality rich with revolutionary tradition. The movement has been integrated into broader pushes for advanced new rural development, preservation of ethnic cultural heritage, protection of upstream forests, and promotion of “red tourism” tied to revolutionary sites, all while maintaining public safety and order.
The event came ahead of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19), National Day (September 2), and the traditional day of the People's Public Security Force, and the 20th anniversary of "All people's protecting national security" festival.
Over the past 80 years, the consular and citizen protection work has achieved significant results, contributing to the overall success of external affairs and earning recognition from the Party, State, and people.
The visit offered a chance to convey Vietnam’s commitment to building a prosperous nation and attracting international resources to meet development goals in a new era, helping to enhance political trust and elevate the substantive cooperation between Vietnam and the RoK.
