Ha Noi seeks EU’s experience in green economy development

The Chairman expressed the aspiration during a meeting with EU Ambassador to Viet Nam Julien Guerrier on November 22 in Ha Noi.

Chairman of Ha Noi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh, echoed Ambassador Julien Guerrier's sentiments, highlighting the deep and extensive development of the relationship between Viet Nam and the EU in recent years through cooperation frameworks such as the Viet Nam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

During the meeting, Guerrier mentioned that, having visited Vie Nnam multiple times before taking up his post, he acknowledged the positive transformations the country has undergone over the past nearly 30 years.

"Ha Noi is one of the cities with an impressive pace of development, yet it still retains its unique charm and historic features," said the Ambassador.

Guerrier expressed his gratitude to the Hanoi authorities for supporting and facilitating cultural and economic programs recently organized by the EU in the city. He also conveyed his hope for continued collaboration and support from Hanoi in upcoming exchanges and promotional activities to achieve positive outcomes.

Stressing the EU's willingness to share experiences and help Ha Noi and Viet Nam achieve sustainable development goals, especially in combating climate change and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, Guerrier proposed joint efforts to expedite the implementation of various aspects of the urban railway project.

He suggested establishing a Joint Steering Committee to monitor progress and meet periodically to ensure adherence to the planned schedule and quality.

Providing an overview of the city's recent socio-economic situation, Thanh stated that Ha Noi is contemplating adjusting the Capital's General Planning to 2045, with a vision to 2065 towards a green, clean, and modern model. "Therefore, in the future, Ha Noi will continue to learn from the EU's experience in building a green, circular economy and developing smart infrastructure."

Thanh also expressed the city's desire for increased EU investment cooperation in education and training across all levels.

Regarding the Ambassador's proposal on urban railway projects, Thanh pledged to speed up the process and work with EU investors to ensure timely implementation.

Earlier, Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang received Ambassador Julien Guerrier, Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Viet Nam, in Hà Nội on November 21. 

The minister said Viet Nam-EU relations have been growing well in the recent past with both sides’ leaders paying attention to promoting the bilateral strategic partnership, including defence cooperation.

He spoke highly of the recent defence cooperation results, which match the EU-Việt Nam Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and the two sides’ Framework Participation Agreement (FPA). These agreements have enabled Viet Nam to take part in crisis management activities of the EU. Positive results have been recorded in multiple areas such as security dialogue, training, UN peacekeeping operations, and war aftermath settlement.

Giang proposed both sides keep enhancing fruitful cooperation with a focus on holding all-level mutual visits, maintaining the effectiveness of the annual security dialogue, and addressing war consequences.

For his part, Guerrier said he treasured the bilateral relations, and highly valued Việt Nam's efforts in defence cooperation activities with the EU, particularly in UN peacekeeping operations.

Calling for Việt Nam's long-term collaboration in this field, the diplomat suggested the two sides further boost defence cooperation through delegation exchanges, training, and sharing of cybersecurity and peacekeeping experience./.