World Water Academy participates in a successful economic mission to Vietnam

From March 19 to 22, Gabriëlle Knufman, CEO of World Water Academy, participated in an economic mission to Vietnam. The mission, organised by the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), aimed to strengthen trade relations and investments between the Netherlands and Vietnam.

Although the scheduled state visit by the Dutch Royal couple was cancelled, the economic mission did go ahead under the leadership of Minister Harbers, Minister Van der Wal and Ingrid Thijssen, president VNO-NCW. Together with about 140 people from 75 Dutch companies, Knufman made contact with local companies, financiers, the government, and knowledge institutions. The mission provided an excellent opportunity for Dutch companies to present their innovative solutions in the areas of agro-food, water management, horticulture, and logistics and to explore cooperation opportunities.

Learning from each other

Several site visits were on the program during this mission, including a visit to Heineken Vietnam. Here it became clear how Heineken combines international expertise with local knowledge and talent. In addition, they presented their very ambitious environmental goals: 100% renewable energy, 100% water balance and 0% waste to landfill.

The water delegation also visited the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association (VWSA). VWSA has more than 400 collective members representing nearly 70,000 employees in various positions within the water and sewerage sector. The Dutch companies shared knowledge and challenges and opportunities in Vietnam’s water sector were discussed. VWSA emphasized the importance of continuous education for water professionals in Vietnam, something World Water Academy can fully endorse!

Another part of the mission was the visit to the Hai Duong People’s Committee, followed by a site visit to the Cam Thuong Water Supply Plant and the Dai An Wastewater Treatment Plant. These visits provided valuable insights into the local water infrastructure and showcased various challenges faced by this region.

Continuous education for water professionals worldwide

The mission to Vietnam was an important step for World Water Academy to promote bilateral cooperation and to contribute to challenges in the Vietnamese water sector. As World Water Academy we remain committed for water professionals to gain and share water knowledge and skills worldwide.