A networking event on building cities that are economically sustainable and climate-resilient between Vietnam and the Flemish Region of Belgium (or Flanders) took place in Ho Chi Minh City on September 15.
HCM City (VNA) – A networking event on building cities that are economically sustainable and climate-resilient between Vietnam and the Flemish Region of Belgium (or Flanders) took place in Ho Chi Minh City on September 15.
The event, co-organized by the HCM City Investment and TradePromotion Centre (ITPC) and the Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), was anopportunity for Vietnamese and Belgian enterprises to meet, interact, and formpartnerships in sectors of Belgium’s strength such as smart construction,renewable energy, and a circular economy.
According to Vice Chairman of the municipal People'sCommittee Ngo Minh Chau, the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Belgiumhas transformed from purely humanitarian cooperation to an increasinglyeffective economic partnership over the past five decades. Belgium runs 89 active projects worth nearly 1.1 billion USD in Vietnam, of which 43 valuedat almost 9.5 million USD are located in HCM City.
For the Vietnamese southern metropolis, the European nationis one of its key trade and investment partners. Between 2015 and now, bothsides have implemented numerous practical projects in seaport development,agriculture, health, and social development. Their import-export turnover reachednearly 400 million USD in the first seven months of 2023.
Chau went on to note that the city and Flanders signed a memorandumof understanding in December 2016 on agricultural cooperation. This is an importantfoundation for enhancing their collaboration in high-tech and sustainable farming.The pact has paved the way for joint works in other areas like building sustainableurban areas capable of adapting to climate change.
At the workshop, towards a goal of creating green,nature-friendly, and smart urban areas, foreign experts proposed varioussolutions such as appropriate urban planning based on population density,sustainable construction techniques, flood prevention measures, and more.
Steven Petit, the creative director of the Belgian-based Omgevingcompany specializing in architecture and urban planning, said that in largecities like HCM City, there are numerous challenges posed by climate change. Toadapt, it is necessary to design urban areas with a focus on nature, which mayinclude creating water zones within the city to provide green environments forthe residents./.
Vietnamese Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc has expressed wish to learn from Belgium’s experience in green finance as Vietnam's green bond market is now in the early stage of developing a legal framework and launching pilot projects.
Vietnam and Belgium have seen their relationship growing continuously across all areas over the past 50 years since they set up diplomatic relations on March 22, 1973, only two months after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords.
Ho Chi Minh City always treasures investment from and trade with Flanders region and many other Belgian localities, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Phan Van Mai said while hosting Minister – President of the Government of the Belgian region Jan Jambon on September 14.
Floodwater levels in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta are high and will continue to rise this month, especially in upstream areas, according to the hydraulic works management and construction department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
Conservation efforts to restore habitat and boost the population of red-crowned cranes in Tram Chim National Park are finally showing progress, with the cranes and many other rare wild birds coming back to the park.
Torrential rains from the night of July 31 to early August 1 triggered flash floods and landslides across several communes in Dien Bien province, leaving at least two people dead and eight others missing.
Transitioning to a circular economy not only offers a sustainable development path for Ho Chi Minh City but also serves as a pivotal step toward establishing a fully green economy.
An exhibition featuring 100 green, recycled, and circular economy models and products from 50 businesses and educational establishments took place in Ho Chi Minh City on July 31, as part of the local green transition forum and recycle day 2025.
Regional solidarity and cooperation are the key factor for the effective implementation of wildlife protection regulations. Only through sustainable cooperation, innovative approaches, and collective action can biodiversity be safeguarded for the present and future generations, an Vietnamese official has said.
Hanoi has approved a comprehensive plan to restore the environmental quality and develop four major urban rivers – the To Lich, Kim Nguu, Lu, and Set reverine environments.
The Javan pangolin is listed in Vietnam’s Red Book as critically endangered and is protected under Group IB – a category reserved for forest species facing an extremely high risk of extinction and requiring strict conservation measures.
As a key member of the core group of 18 countries, initiated by Vanuatu, Vietnam engaged in advocating for the UN General Assembly’s Resolution N.77/276, requesting for the ICJ’s advisory opinion. Following the resolution's adoption, Vietnam fully participated in all procedural steps for the first time, from submitting written proposals to presenting directly at the court’s hearings.
The wild elephant population in Da Nang includes a full developed herb of mature males, females, and calves. To date, the herd has grown to nine individuals.
Conservation efforts here have become a model, helping to save millions of turtle hatchlings and promoting Con Dao as a member of the Indian Ocean-Southeast Asia Turtle Site Network.
As part of its drive to fulfil its net zero emissions commitment by 2050, Vietnam is fast-tracking the development of a legal corridor to launch a pilot carbon market by the end of 2025, according to the Department of Climate Change.
Under the plan, from 2025 to 2026, the city will complete mechanisms and policies to support businesses in switching to green vehicles, expand the electric and green-energy bus network, and build charging stations. The targeted proportion of green buses is set at 10% in 2025 and 20–23% in 2026.
Storm Comay, the fourth in the East Sea this year, was at around 16.7 degrees North and 118.3 degrees East, in the east of the East Sea's northern waters as of 4am on July 24.
The disaster risk warning level for flash floods, landslides, and ground subsidence due to heavy rains and flows is rated at level 1, except in Nghe An, where it is raised to level 2.
At the seminar (Photo: VNA) 
