The visit to three cities aims to further deepen the economic cooperation towards green transformation between Vietnam and the Netherlands, especially in the fields of water, logistics, energy and circular economy. This visit will celebrate the 50^th diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands.

Together with the EU Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius and Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister Schreinemacher will open the plenary session of the Green Economy Forum and Exhibition (GEFE) 2022, which is organised from 28-30 November 2022 in Ho Chi Minh city by the Eurocham Vietnam. GEFE 2022 facilitates a platform for stakeholders to meet and exchange experience, knowledge and innovative solutions and explore green business opportunities. With the largest national pavilion at GEFE, the Netherlands is proud to host nearly 50 Dutch companies showcasing innovations in water, energy, logistics, waste treatment, waste management, circular economy and so many more.  

In the context of GEFE, Minister Schreinemacher and Vietnam’s Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Tran Hong Ha will jointly kick off the conference on “Joining forces in climate change mitigation and adaptation: Mobilising the transformative power of businesses”, which gather businesses and stakeholders in climate, energy and circular economy sectors to exchange experiences and solutions to address climate challenges in Vietnam. At the same time, a conference on “Accelerate Trade with Green and Efficient Logistics” will take place parallelly.

During GEFE 2022, Minister Schreinemacher will have a meeting with Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien to discuss the bilateral trade and investment agenda. The two ministers will discuss a number of topics, including business climate supports, green business opportunities, the implementation of EVFTA and visa waiver programme.

In her visit to Vietnam, Minister Schreinemacher will engage with business communities in the “Nature-based Solutions in the Mekong Delta Roundtable” in Ho Chi Minh city, and earlier in a business roundtable.

The Netherlands Minister will explore the beauty of Ho Chi Minh city on a water bus and have a bicycle tour at Nguyen Hue boulevard with the Director of the Department of Transport of Ho Chi Minh city. She will also enjoy a guided tour around the historical Reunification Palace. She will have an opportunity to engage with the LGBTI community in Vietnam in a side-event of the 9^th ILGA Asia Conference 2022 which will take place in Ho Chi Minh city at the same time of her visit.

Minister Schreinemacher: "Vietnam is a dynamic and vibrant country with many opportunities for Dutch companies in the fields of agriculture, water and sustainable infrastructure. It’s good to see such a strong presence of Dutch companies here. Our bilateral ties are built on strong foundations going back nearly half a century. We will further promote sustainable trade relations to accelerate the crucial transformation to a green economy."

In the framework of the visit, Minister Schreinemacher will have a courtesy meeting with Hai Phong city’s People’s Committee Nguyen Van Tung. The Minister and the Chairman will later kick off the Roundtable on Hai Phong – the Netherlands Business Gateway: Building Smart and Sustainable Logistics Sector and Trade Connections.” She will also pay a visit to VinFast Factory in Hai Phong city. Later in Hanoi, Minister Schreinemacher will engage in an open discussion with businesses on Vietnamese Green Growth Strategy.

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The Netherlands and Vietnam have a long-lasting and trusted relationship. The two countries have established strategic partnerships in “Water & Climate Change Adaptation” and “Agriculture and Food Security”. The Netherlands is the second largest EU trade partner and the largest EU direct investor in Vietnam (and the 5^th foreign investor in Vietnam on a global scale). It is in the interest of both countries to fully use the potential of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement for sustainable and inclusive trade. The two countries will celebrate their 50^th year of diplomatic relations in 2023.