HCM City, Netherlands boost cooperation in flood prevention

During a meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on February 7 with Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan, Kaag said as a country with most areas lying below sea water level, the Netherlands is willing to share experience with Ho Chi Minh City in water resources management and urban flood prevention. 

The minister told her host that the two countries will hold many activities to celebrate the 45th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties this year.

Nhan, for his part, said the Netherlands is a strategic partner of Vietnam in climate change adaptation, water management, sustainable agriculture and food security. 

He lauded the efficiency of the cooperation projects between the Netherlands and Ho Chi Minh City such as climate change adaptation and the construction of the largest flower and ornamental plant centre in Vietnam. 

Nhan asked the European country to assist the city in monitoring and refining flood prevention projects and designing components to build a smart city. 

The Netherlands is the largest trade partner of Vietnam in Europe and a leading European investor in the country.