In recent years, the Da Nang authorties have been making every effort to build a smarter city in a sustainable manner, with a focus on developing their city into an airport and seaport city. Therefore, the city is in need of a helping hand from foreign investors to reach its above-mentioned targets.

Dutch Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Carel Richter (first right) talking with Dutch and Da Nang businesspeople

In mid-August, a group of businesspeople from 14 Dutch companies visisted the city to seek investment opportunities. Most of them showed their keen interest in helping Da Nang promote the development of its economy.

Mr Guido Branderhorst, CEO of the Digital Launch Co., Ltd, said Digital Launch was founded in 2017 in Viet Nam by UX/UI specialist Laura and coding expert Guido with a mission to create a high quality service at affordable rates. Headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, the company was a startup business involving digital marketing and website development.

He revealed that his company is planning to open its branch in Da Nang in the coming time due to the city’s rapid economic growth, modern traffic infrastructure, and high-quality services.

The Commercial Director of the Aden Group, Mr Joshua Schrijvers, remarked Aden Group is one of the world’s leading units in the smart integrated facility management services industry. In Viet Nam, the group specialises in giving active support to Dutch companies, FDI enterprises and some domestic large-scale businesses through international financial management services and renewable energy solutions.

As for Da Nang, Aden Group helps tourism businesses ensure the smooth and effective operation, as well as provides meals for such companies as Coca Cola, Intercontinental, and Holiday Beach.

“We opened a representative office in Da Nang in 2018. We are planning to expand our consumer network in the city by 2020 in order to provide energy management solutions to the city, and assist Da Nang to build smarter city and high-tech zones” Mr Joshua Schrijvers noted.

He explained the reason that Da Nang, and the central region as a whole, boast potential for the development of economy, especially tourism. In detail, the city has a more abundant and highly skilled labour force, and many of them have proficiency in English.

Mr Arno Kops, the regional manager for Southeast Asia and Australia of the Dutch Witteveen+Bos Construction and Engineering Consultancy Company, said one of the city’s most advantages for boosting the development of tourism is its long and beautiful coastline. However, the city’s coastline was now facing a high risk of pollution and erosion.

He added that his company had many experience of preventing erosion from occurring at Hoi An beaches. Therefore, in the coming time, his company is willing to help the city address coastal erosion, and deal with wastewater treatment-related problems.