On Wednesday, Da Nang People’s Committee Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh met with a group of Dutch experts and businesspeople, led by Dutch Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Carel Richter.

The meeting in progress

During his meeting with his Dutch guests, Vice Chairman Minh remarked that the city leaders highly appreciated Dutch partners for their goodwill in sharing their climate change response experience with the city.

In reply, Consul General Richter said that he was very impressed with the city’s rapid economic growth, its synchronous infrastructure, its high-quality human resources, and its dynamic business environment.

The Dutch ambassador noted “Some businesses from my country are willing to share their valuable experience in climate change adaption, especially helping the city address coastal erosion and deal with  wastewater treatment-related problems”.

Also at the meeting, experts from the Dutch Witteveen+Bos Construction and Engineering Consultancy Company presented some anti-coastal erosion solutions to Vice Chairman Minh.

Mr Arno Kops, the company's regional manager for Southeast Asia and Australia, highlighted the efficiency of the Sand Motor in preventing the city’s coastline from erosion and sea level rise.

He added “With the Sand Motor solution, a large quantity of sand will be deposited near the Da Nang coast. Wind, waves and sea currents will gradually distribute the sand along the coastline. This solution will help Da Nang reduce negative impacts on its biodiversity, and save more money.

Mr Arno Kops also highlighted the significance of building consensus amongst Dutch businesses and the city authorities in implementing the solution. Special attention should be paid to asking managers of seaside resorts to uphold their responsibilities for protect the coastline.