A solar power plant in Ninh Thuan province of Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Ottawa (VNA) – A workshop on cooperation opportunities in clean andrenewable energy development between Vietnam and Quebecof Canada took place on October 21 inboth online and face-to-face forms, attracting the participation of Canadianscholars and  representatives from  businesses of the two countries.

The event was organized by the Vietnamese Embassy in Canada, in coordination with the Ministryof International Relations and La Francophonie and the investmentpromotion agency of Quebec.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador toCanada Pham Cao Phong emphasized that Vietnam - one of the countries hardest hit by climate change - has realized the importance of transitioning to anew energy structure, where green energy sources play an increasingly importantrole.

Vietnam commits toincreasing the ratio of renewable energy sources in the total primary energysupply to 20 percent by 2030 and 30 percent by 2045, he said, adding that the transformation in the energy sectorrequires not only large capital investment in infrastructure, but alsotechnical expertise and technologies - an area where cooperation betweenVietnam and Canada can play an important role.

The Comprehensiveand Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) that Vietnam and Canada are founding members, not onlypromotes trade but also facilitates closer cooperation in other areas betweenthe two countries, including energy, he noted.

The diplomat suggested foreign investors come to the Vietnamese marketto explore new potentials, saying that Vietnam always creates favourableconditions for foreign investors to do business and invest in the country,including clean and renewable energy development.

For his part, EricMarquis, AssistantDeputy Minister of the Ministry of InternationalRelations and La Francophonie,said the workshop is part of Quebec’sIndo-Pacific strategy, which is expected to be announced soon.

Thisstrategy marks a step forward in bilateral relations, affirming the importanceof the Indo-Pacific to Quebec, he stressed.
Marquis affirmed that Vietnam is an important emergingmarket for Quebec, keeping the position of Quebec's largest partner inSoutheast Asia in 2020, with two-way trade increasing by over 440 percent from 2011 to 2020.

Vietnam is also part of the process of reshaping globalvalue chains, especially in Asia, he added.

✃ The Quebec side expressed its hope that this workshop will not only mark the start of the building of a closer relationship between Vietnam and Quebec, but also launcha dynamic partnership in the energy field in the context that Vietnam is one ofthe most efficient electricity markets in Southeast Asia./.