During his reception last Friday for Dutch Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Carel Richter, Da Nang People’s Committee Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh stated that his city is attaching importance to promoting the development of information technology, tourism, logistics, hi-tech and hi-tech agriculture industries.

Consul General Richter (left) and Vice Chairman Minh

He highlighted the importance of the ‘Dutch Day 2018’ event which was held in the city on 25 and 26 May in advertising the beautiful images of Dutch landscapes and its people to local residents, as well as offering the good opportunity for Dutch businesses to learn more about the city’s investment climate.

The host asked for help from the Dutch diplomat to appeal for his citizens to visit Da Nang, and to encourage more Dutch investors to pour their money into the city’s aspects, such as water resources management, seaports, logistics, IT and climate change adaptation.

In reply, Consul General Richter remarked “In recent years, many businesses from my country have shown their keen interest in learning about the seaside city’s investment environment. I will exert every effort to boost the bilateral diplomatic and trade relations between Da Nang and Dutch localities”.

Also on the same day, Vice Chairman Minh and Consul General Richter attended a seminar entitled ‘Responsible Investment and Smart Urban Development’ in the city.

Consul General Richter speaking at the seminar (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn)

In his remarks at the event, the city leader affirmed that Da Nang boasts its good infrastructure and human resources, numerous incentives to welcome Dutch businesses to seek investment opportunities in the city.

He noted that special attention is being given to effectively promoting the IT applications and e-government solutions. Also, a project on building a smarter city with a focus on the aspects of transport, water supply, drainage, food safety and hygiene, and connection has been already approved.

The city’s e-government has helped to enhance the efficiency of providing information for local residents and businesses. This model has been effectively expanded into other localities nationwide.

Vice Chairman Minh also asked for help from Dutch authorities, organisations and businesses to cooperate in aspects in which both localities take a keen interest, including sustainable investment, smarter city building, and climate change adaption.

Consul General Richter said that many businesses from his country become actively involved in sustainable development and social responsibilities by developing circular economy models in a bid to minimise negative impacts on the environment.

In 2004, the Dutch government funded the city’s ‘Reducing the Risk of Water-related Disasters’ project through constructing the Tung Lam saltwater dam, and enhancing the capacity of response to natural disasters for residents in Ngu Hanh Son District.