Finnish firms ready to partner Hanoi in clean water, energy sectors

At a working session with Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen The Hung, Peltonen said with the two countries’ 45-year diplomatic relationship, there are opportunities for Vietnam and Finland to enter a new stage of cooperation.

Large cities play a crucial role in a country’s development, he said, noting that Finland hopes to contribute to the development of Hanoi and Vietnam by giving support in clean water supply, renewable energy development and smart city building.

Highlighting similar development targets, Peltonen said Hanoi and Finland can enhance cooperation. With their experience, companies operating in the energy and environment sectors in Finland are ready to become partners of Hanoi.

For his part, Vice Chairman Hung said cooperation between the two countries’ governments and between Hanoi and Finnish cities has brought encouraging outcomes. Since the 1990s, the Finland-built Mai Dich water plant has been one of the best water plants in Hanoi.

However, clean water is still an urgent issue in the Vietnamese capital city, which has a population of about 10 million, he noted, adding that Hanoi is mobilising resources to ensure clean water, about 180 litres each person per day, for all residents. It is also working to end groundwater exploitation.

The city welcomes investors who can provide effective clean water solutions, and it hopes for more Finnish investment, Hung said.

Hanoi also wants Finnish investors to participate in waste-to-energy projects since Finland is a leading country with clean energy. About 6,000-8,000 tonnes of waste are released in the city every day, with most of it still buried.

Hung noted that Hanoi is taking the first steps to turn it into a smart city, and it also looks forward to Finnish investment in this field.