VIET NAM 45th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with the Netherlands by Diplomat Magazine Netherlands

45th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with the Netherlands special

Da Nang city Skyline from Han River.

Courtesy Viet Nam My Love-Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Viet Nam

Colophon

EMBASSY OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM 45 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS – VIET NAM & THE NETHERLANDS SPECIAL EDITION 2018 EDITED BY

H.E. Mrs. Ngo Thi Hoa Ambassador Mr. Pham Toan Thang Minister Counselor Ms. Pham Tuan Hong Hanh First Secretary

CONTRIBUTED BY

Mr. Nguyen Hai Tinh Trade Counselor Mr. Nguyen Hai Luu Counselor Mrs. Nguyen Hong Hanh First Secretary

EMBASSY OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM

Javastraat 1 2585 AA The Hague The Netherlands T +31 70 364 89 17 F +31 70 364 86 56 E vnembassy.nl@mofa.gov.vn W www.vnembassy-thehague.mofa.gov.vn

PRODUCTION BY DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE www.diplomatmagazine.nl

PUBLISHER Dr. Mayelinne De Lara GRAPHIC DESIGN Studio Kliek PRINTING Gianotten Printed Media

The Turtle Tower in Hoan Kiem Lake, an iconic landmark of Ha Noi Courtesy: Viet Nam My Love-Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Viet Nam ‘Binnenhof’ (Inner Court ), heart of Dutch politics, The Hague

Welcome letters

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM H.E. MR. PHAM BINH MINH By Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

This year we celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands (9th April 1973 - 9th April 2017). Viet Nam and the Netherlands are two countries ocean - apart with very different cultures and histories, yet we have come together naturally on the basis of common interests and mutual respect. Through our years, we have shared and learned from each other, worked and developed together in peace and prosperity. Nowadays, the Netherlands is one of the most important partners of Viet Nam in Europe. Our cooperation is a dynamic and effective partnership based on the close political ties, strong economic relations and a wide range of cooperation in many areas. In particular, the Strategic Partnerships on Climate Change Adaptation - Water Management and Sustainable Agriculture - Food Security between Viet Nam and the Netherlands demonstrate our forward - looking vision of cooperation to deal with today and future challenges. I am confident with the consensus and determination of the Governments and people of the two countries, the future of the relationship between Viet Nam and the Netherlands will reach new heights, not only benefiting each country, but also contributing to the peace, stability, and development of the regions and the world. I welcome the collaboration between the Embassy of Viet Nam in the Netherlands and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministries, the Diplomatic Magazine and other partners in publishing this Special Edition on the 45th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This Special Edition will give readers of the two countries a lively reflection on the excellent developments of Viet Nam - the Netherlands relations in the past as well as the bright future prospect of our future.

Pham Binh Minh

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Welcome letters

CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS By Stef Blok, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

A milestone to celebrate: 45 years of diplomatic relations between the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Netherlands! At a time when good relations between nations and people are of ever-increasing importance, the Netherlands cherishes its special ties with Viet Nam. The reciprocal visits by government ministers from both our countries in recent years testify to our close bond, as well as to the importance attached to it by our governments. A bond that is appealingly illustrated in this special publication. People-to-people contacts between entrepreneurs, scientists, students, tourists and others are shaping and strengthening these ties and fostering mutual knowledge and understanding. Bilateral contacts, too, highlight the growing importance of this bond. Trade relations between the Netherlands and Viet Nam go back more than four centuries, when the

first Dutch ships reached the shores of Viet Nam. Dutch traders have been doing business with Viet Nam ever since, and today the Netherlands is one of the largest European Union investors and trading partners in Viet Nam. We are greatly impressed by the speed of Viet Namâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development and its remarkable achievements. As a result, the nature of our bilateral development cooperation is shifting from aid to trade. The focus is on efforts to enhance the business climate and expand the scope of business opportunities to our mutual benefit, at the same time promoting achievement of sustainable development goals. Similarities between our two countries have made us natural partners in many fields. Take our joint signing of Strategic Partnership Arrangements on Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management and on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security â&#x20AC;&#x201C; areas in which we work closely together. As coastal states with a strategic position in regional markets, we also cooperate in maritime affairs and transport and logistics, and have a great deal to offer each other in many different areas.

Like the Netherlands, Viet Nam is an active member of the international community. The Netherlands appreciates Viet Namâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in the region, which is of vital importance for security and stability. We look forward to further developing our relations to achieve greater prosperity, peace and security in Viet Nam. Together we will move forward, building on the firm foundations of our cooperation and friendship!

Stef Blok

Welcome letters

CELEBRATING

45 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS By Cora van Nieuwenhuizen-Wijbenga, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management.

Milestones are there to be celebrated. And quite a few milestones have been reached in the 45 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Viet Nam in the field of water management and climate change adaptation. In 2010, our two countries signed a Strategic Partnership Arrangement on this theme. The publication of the Mekong Delta Plan in 2013 was one of the highlights of this partnership. The vision set out in the plan has now been formalised in Resolution 120 on Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Development of the Mekong Delta of Viet Nam. It provides an excellent foundation for giving further shape to our joint efforts. Both our countries share challenges and opportunities in our river deltas. In Viet Nam, mainly in the Mekong and Red River Deltas, and in the Netherlands, in the Rhine and Maas Deltas. These are regions that are hard hit by the impact of climate change, urbanisation, industrialisation and subsidence. But they are also regions in which new opportunities are arising for sustainable agriculture, port development and economic expansion. The similarities between Viet Nam and the Netherlands allow us to make use of each other’s knowledge and expertise in the field of water and delta management. At the same time, the differences between our countries increase the potential for mutual learning. As a low-lying country, the Netherlands has centuries of experience of living with water. Water issues have always been a daily reality, and the Dutch response has been to look for solutions that involve all stakeholders. We have now drawn up a second Delta Programme, with an independent Delta Commissioner and independent financing for flood control, water quality and water security issues. One of the guiding principles of the Dutch approach is that dykes and other hard structures aren’t always necessary. Sustainable, natural solutions can sometimes be the best and cheapest options. We call this approach ‘building with nature’. EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Since 2013, Viet Nam has worked hard to put the Mekong Delta Plan into effect, with the help of development partners and the Netherlands. In recent years, integrated projects have been initiated to better harmonise agriculture and water management. Research has been carried out into the impact of ground water abstraction on subsidence, as well as into the increasing salinisation of the Mekong Delta’s coastal region. In each case, the Netherlands has specifically paid attention to issues of governance. Are all stakeholders involved in efforts to find solutions to delta problems? Is advice confined to hydrological solutions, or does it extend to the social and economic impact that such solutions will have? How can government improve internal coordination? How does government facilitate behavioural change among inhabitants who are central to its policy? It is local inhabitants who will have to make the necessary climate impact adaptations. It is they who will have to embrace the sustainability agenda, amongother things by abstracting less groundwater. Viet Nam is resolved to transform the Mekong Delta, as is clear from the Prime Minister’s signing of Resolution 120 on such issues as dealing with salinisation, adapting crops to suit the soil and using scarce water resources. Viet Nam is also looking at sustainable agricultural solutions with high added value. All these measures will place demands on the Viet Namese government and the inhabitants of the Mekong Delta. The Netherlands is keen to provide any help Viet Nam might require as it makes the transition towards sustainable adaptation of the Mekong Delta and faces a future that climate changes make less predictable. It is a situation that calls for high quality, flexible solutions. The Netherlands will be happy to assist in this process by providing knowledge and experience.

Cora van Nieuwenhuizen Wijbenga 7

Welcome letters

“VIET NAM: 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH THE NETHERLANDS” By J.J. van Aartsen, Acting Mayor of Amsterdam.

Dear reader, Amsterdam, Hanoi and Viet Nam enjoy a longstanding friendship. Besides trading relations dating back four centuries ago, relations between the two cities were re-established in 1973 when Amsterdam supported Hanoi to rebuild the city with the ‘Amsterdam helps Hanoi’ campaign. Funds were raised and Amsterdam offered to help with the construction of roads, water supply systems and sewer systems, and with soil testing and the building of bridges. The University of Amsterdam sought collaboration with the University of Hanoi. The establishment of the Amsterdam-Hanoi High School in 1985 was one of the main achievements. The Amsterdam – Hanoi High School is now an excellent public school that sends large numbers of pupils on to prestigious universities in Viet Nam and abroad.

Hanoi and Amsterdam both have a rich history; a history that has shaped us and made us into what we are today. Hanoi and Amsterdam have much in common. Both are old cities, with Hanoi naturally being the older of the two. And both are the capital cities of densely populated countries, with deltas where great rivers flow out to the sea. it is no coincidence that your capital city’s name means ‘within the river’, and that Amsterdam is named after the River Amstel that makes its meandering way through the city. As we are a small country, our lives have always been shaped by the sea and the wider world. We became great as a seafaring nation. We have always looked far beyond our borders, something that has brought us great wealth and prosperity. Within our limited space, we have to be tolerant of each other and understand what motivates others and what they contribute. As a city we have always taken the interests of others into account alongside our own as a responsible capital. Building international networks is not only in our DNA, but is also a task that todays world demands from cities whose future is closely intertwined with the rest of the world and its ability to compete for markets, talents and investments. A task in which Amsterdam presents itself as an international responsible capital. Our countries and cities also bear the scars from the past. Scars from wars that have had an enormous impact on our societies. The diaries of both Dang Thuy Tram and Anne Frank give us a personal insight in the dark chapters of these recent histories of our countries. Recently, an exhibition on the diaries of Dang Thuy Tram and Anne Frank was held at the AmsterdamHanoi High School to teach us that there is always a choice to do the right thing, even under very dark circumstances. The ties between our two cities have been strengthened significantly in recent years by a series of mutual visits by your prime minister, by members of our royal family and government officials both from Hanoi and Amsterdam. In 2014, during a visit by Mayor van der Laan the relations and ties between Hanoi and Amsterdam were further strengthened through the joint signing of a memorandum of understanding on friendship and cooperation relations between Hanoi and Amsterdam. In this memorandum it was decided to further enhance the cooperation on common topics such as culture and education, spatial planning and water management. I wish to conclude by stating that however far apart our cities and countries might be, friendship, respect, good relations and mutually profitable economic cooperation can bridge any distance. Yours faithfully,

J.J. van Aartsen 8

Welcome letters

ROTTERDAM AND HO CHI MINH CITY: A SHARED STORY By Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam.

Though Ho Chi Minh City and Rotterdam are almost 10,000 kilometers apart, the cities have much in common. Both have the energy and hands-on mentality of port cities, internationally orientated and open-minded. Rotterdam and Ho Chi Minh City also share a story of being damaged by war activities. The city center of Rotterdam was destroyed by German bombs in the Second World War and had to rebuild itself with an eye to the future. Likewise, Ho Chi Minh City had to reinvent itself, with historical streets and houses making room for modern residential blocks, shopping malls and skyscrapers. Both cities continue to grow, increasing their economic value. But they are also confronted with rising risk levels due to climate change. For Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon River is important as the main water supply as well as the basis of Saigon Port. For Rotterdam, the river Meuse is the artery of economic activities. Both cities are thriving on the benefits of water, but both our cities must also learn to live with the threats of water. As a delta city, Rotterdam is a hands-on expert when it comes to water management. We are proud to have a lot of maritime and water businesses within our city borders and we are happy to share our knowledge and experience with other delta cities like Ho Chi Minh City. Water management is not a goal in itself; it is a precondition to balanced progress in terms of economic growth, quality of life, safety and sustainability. Water is the genesis of our cities’ existence – the very essence of life and work in our cities.

Dutch Ambassador H.E. Mme. Nienke Trooster and Mayor Aboutaleb meeting with Party Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City H.E. Mr Le Thanh Hai

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

While the Netherlands is famous for dikes, sea walls and other barriers against the water, the Vietnamese learned to live and work with the water, with floating buildings and stilt houses, and trading on longboats in floating markets: a more traditional and natural way of protection, while Rotterdam has a more infrastructural approach. In my opinion, combining the best of both worlds is the answer to our challenges. The Dutch can teach the Vietnamese about storm surge barriers, dikes and water storage. The Vietnamese can teach the Dutch to work with nature again, and let nature help to protect the city and coastline. In Rotterdam there is already a floating pavilion in the port area and we are developing new ways of living and working on water. In this way we create new residential environments that are both attractive and climate change resilient, partly inspired by Ho Chi Minh City. This east-west collaboration holds important lessons for floodthreatened cities around the world. Ho Chi Minh City and Rotterdam are both seeking to strike a balance between the two main approaches to flood protection: taking expensive infrastructural measures and making room for the river at the same time. It’s all about protection and opportunities, about innovation and tradition. When Rotterdam and Ho Chi Minh City continue to match their visions, they are looking forward to a prosperous future.

Ahmed Aboutaleb Mayor Aboutaleb shakes hands with Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City H.E. Mr Le Hoang Quan

FOREWORD

SOW GOODWILL, REAP SINCERITY By H.E. Mrs. Ngo Thi Hoa, Ambassador of Viet Nam.

I arrived in the Netherlands in late December 2016 amidst the Dutch chilling and solitary winter. But in those early days, I felt from the deepest part of my being the warmth, hospitality and sincerity of the Dutch people in the country that I would devote my term to. I still remember on January 25, 2016 I presented the Credentials to His Majesty, King of the Netherlands Willem Alexander at the Noordeinde Palace in the center of The Hague. It is my impression that the King is a friendly, cheerful person, who is appealing to others with his openness and good sense of humor. He told me of the good impression of his visit to Viet Nam in 2014 and shared his belief that the relationship between two countries would grow strongly in the coming time. The good feeling about the King of the Netherlands makes me believe that when there are many similarities, abilities to share ideas

and feelings, comprehend and appreciate each other, there are grounds for Viet Nam and the Netherlands to strengthen their cooperation and relationship.

other, share our views and find solutions for issues in the bilateral relations to ensure their development in a sustainable manner and towards the right directions.

Since my arrival, I have taken opportunities to visit places, meet people and enrich my experiences of the Netherlands. I paid a courtesy call on Her Majesty Queen of the Netherland Maxima, paid visits and had talks with leaders of ministries, exchanged views with mayors of different cities, interacted with Dutch business - academic circles and talked with Dutch friends. Wherever I have been to, I am impressed by the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friendliness, enthusiasm, dignity, their new perspectives and plans to promote cooperation with Viet Nam. At work, I am entitled to have close cooperation with colleagues working in the two Chambers of the Parliament, the Government, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture and Infrastructure, City of Amsterdam, The Hague and many more etc., ... We have a lot of time working with each

I consider myself being blessed with luck when I was credentialed to be Ambassador in the Netherlands when the bilateral cooperation enjoys fine and favorable development after 45 years of diplomatic relations (9/4/1973 - 9/4/2018) . In 2017, I also witnessed the efforts to promote cooperation between Viet Nam and the Netherlands bearing fruits, especially in the prioritized areas including (1) climate change adaptation and water management, (2) agriculture and food security, (3) energy, (4) maritime economy and transportation services; (5) smart city. Some noteworthy achievements are: In March 2017, the Dutch Vice Minister of Economy (for Agriculture), Marjolijn Sonnema, came to Viet Nam to host the Food Security Conference. On this occasion, fifty - five (55) agriculture agreements were signed by

FOREWORD the Dutch and Vietnamese counterparts. At the 6th Intergovernmental Conference on Water Management and Response to Climate Change, held from 18 to 21 April, 2018 co chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dzung and Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Environment Melanie Schultz, the two sides agreed to promote the implementation of projects in this area, especially the Mekong Delta Scheme to respond to the danger of sea level rise, salininzation and shoreline erosion. In July 2017, on the formerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit to the Netherlands, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his counterpart, Prime Minister Mark Rutte signed the Agreements on Cooperation in Food Safety Management and Cooperation in Climate Change Adaptation in the Mekong Delta with an aim to enhancing the effectiveness of the Mekong Delta projects. In addition, the two sides also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the implementation of supporting program for infrastructure development (Drive), the agreement on building multi - purpose patrol vessels for Viet Nam, Letter of Intent on Cooperate on natural disaster risk reduction, and Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Maritime Transport and Inland Waterway Transport, Memorandum of Understanding on Training in Maritime transport sector, etc. The CEO Roundtables on Airport City and Smart City also took place on this occasion, in which the related businesses meet and exchange ideas with each other. At the meetings with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the Dutch businesses such as Shell, Puma Energy, Friesland Campina and Eastwestseed continue to look forward to expanding their operations in Viet Nam in fields of strength of the Netherlands such as oil refinery, agriculture & agricultural products etc., ... The two Prime Ministers also agreed to consider upgrading the bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and this will be announced when the Dutch Prime Minister pays a visit to Viet Nam.

It can be said that exciting moments of development and progress are happening in the cooperation between the two countries. The immediate task for the diplomatic service is to turn these major agreements and projects into practice. The Diplomatic Missions need to act as a bridge connecting stakeholders of the two sides in fulfilling their commitments. There are various goals and tasks to be completed, however in a three-year term of an Ambassador, I would like to be able to accomplish the following four objectives:

Firstly, to connect stakeholders to implement projects in the framework of the strategic partnership arrangements on water management, climate change adaptation; sustainable agriculture and food security. Explore and encourage introduction of the Dutch advanced business models in port management, aviation, water inland transport, high-tech agriculture, high-tech science, and smart city in Viet Nam. Secondly, to strengthen cooperation and connection between provinces and cities of the two countries. Thirdly, to intensify outreach activities and information dissemination about Viet Nam in the Netherlands to increase their impact among the Dutch and international community. Fourth, to strengthen people - to - people diplomacy and build up a network of friends of Viet Nam in the Netherlands.

the Chairwoman carries a message of goodwill that Viet Nam wishes to promote the bilateral relations to a new height. I am confident that with a great deal of experience, mutual understanding, a spirit of open cooperation, goodwill and

sincerity, the relationship between Viet Nam and the Netherlands will certainly grow stronger in pursuit of our common interests.

In 2018, the Netherlands and Viet Nam will commemorate the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. In March 2018, Viet Nam National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan will visit the Netherlands to consolidate and promote cooperation between the two parliaments and attend the above-mentioned historic commemoration. The visit of

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

credentials to Mrs. Ngo Thi Hoa presenting her The Ambassador of Viet Nam, H.E. the Netherlands. HM the King Willem-Alexander of

FOREWORD

BEING PART OF 45 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS: AN ENRICHING EXPERIENCE By Nienke Trooster, Dutch Ambassador in Ha Noi.

When asked to contribute to the special edition of the Diplomat Magazine on the celebration of 45 years of diplomatic relations between the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I asked myself:”how can I be original?”

With female farmers in Quang Binh.

There are the obvious highlights to mention such as the achievements of the Dutch funded projects in health and education when Viet Nam was still a so called development partnercountry and received an earmarked annual budget of official development aid. A more recent highlight is the important influence ofthe Mekong Delta Plan, formulated with the support of Dutch experts, on the policies that shape the future of the Delta. Focusing on business,the impressive statistics on the ever growing Dutch trade and investment in Viet Nam should be mentioned as well as the success of Dutch involvement in shipbuilding in Viet Nam and the contribution of Dutch agro business to innovation in Vietnamese agriculture.

Great strides are made in people to people contacts. One only has to observe the growing number of Vietnamese studying in the Netherlands or the increase in Dutch tourists visiting Viet Nam. Although diplomacy may not have always played the main role in achieving these results, it has always been part of the equation. Viet Nam and the Netherlands have built -to use diplomatic terms- “excellent relations”. Looking back on my nearly finished term as an ambassador in Viet Nam, I would, however, like to stray from the general statements and focus on the opportunities these diplomatic ties created for me to meet exceptional people. If somebody were to ask

FOREWORD

A moment with street sweepers passing by on the lighting ceremony of the Water Tower to celebrate King’s day.

me what the strength of this country is, I would immediately say; “its people’’. This is not only my personal observation but it is the standard answer that I receive when asking leaders of Dutch companies what makes them happy about doing business in Viet Nam. They say: “It is the people, their eagerness to learn, their dedication”. Given the many interesting Vietnamese I have met through my work, allow me, as a female ambassador, to limit myself to the many impressive Vietnamese women I have met through diplomacy. First of all I would like to mention the numerous unnamed women that I encounteredhaving taken part in Vietnamese society for nearly four years: the ladies who sell flowers, who clean the streets, who serve you Phở, who make and repair your clothes. Every day I feel inspired by their energy, their dedication, their smiles. I have never lived in a country where women’s societal role is so visible as in Viet Nam. But let me zoom in to the women that I personally met in the nearly four years I have been ambassador to Viet Nam. I would like to do this by using the concept of the diamond, which, with its four sides, stands for the four categories that the Dutch like to involve when approaching issues: representatives of government, business, science and civil society. When talking about civil society one has to realise that due to the legal context non governmental organisations in Viet Nam have a limited space to work in. Despite this these organisations, very often led by women, have been able to make a considerable impact on Vietnamese society. For instance in the plight of ethnic minority people, LGBTIQ persons and women and children suffering from domestic violence. Female leaders that I met were many, like Mrs. Nguyễn Vân Anh from Csaga, an organisation that we fund through the so called accountability fund for activities

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

against gender based violence, or Mrs. Lương Minh Ngọc from ISEE. All of them are inspirational without exception. When it comes to knowledge institutions and science there are many special ties to mention. We only have to think of the relations established by MCNV (Medical Committee Netherlands Viet Nam) the Dutch NGO that has been active in Viet Nam since the late sixties of the last century. They celebrate 50 years of activity in Viet Nam this year. They deserve to be congratulated. Through them strong links were established with Vietnamese medical knowledge institutions, links that are vibrant until this day. It was during my recent visit to MCNV’s office and museum in Quang Tri province that I met Mrs Ha Lan who received this name after being born -with her twin sister Lan Ha- in the hospital MCNV founded there in 1968. She now is one of the long serving dedicated members of staff of MCNV. It was an honor to meet her and her colleagues and learn about their work, that nowadays goes far beyond the medical sphere. But if I speak about science, I would like to mention one woman in particular. Professor Đặng Thị Cẩm Hà working in the Academy of Science and Technology. She is a tireless promotor of relations between our countries in the sphere of biodiversity, a very worthy cause to strive for in an age when preserving our natural resources is a key challenge. It has been a joy as an ambassador to welcome her at our King’s Day receptions where she always has been if not the first, one of the first guests arriving. Business nowadays is at the forefront of the Dutch Vietnamese relations. Since Viet Nam has stopped being a development partner country with the main focus on development assistance, economic diplomacy has become the Embassy’s primary task, a very rewarding one in present day economically thriving Viet Nam. A Vietnamese economist whom I

learned a lot from is Mrs Phạm Chi Lan. The first time I met her was a few weeks after my arrival in Viet Nam, when she was a speaker at a EUROCHAM (the European Chamber of Commerce) event on the prospects for the Vietnamese economy. I hardly noticed her at first because she is rather tiny and very modest. I learned quickly: she may be tiny in her physical appearance but her mind and heart are impressive. She is a strong fighter for what I would call a true ‘market economy with social orientation’’. She stresses the importance of the market and the private sector while taking into account the necessity to be inclusive, to give everyone a fair chance to take part in a market where there is a truly level playing field. Last but not least let me focus on the governmental sector. Firstly I would like to mention the many fine female colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially my dear counterpart H.E. Mrs. Ngô Thị Hòa, ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in my country. We have really bonded during the two high level meetings of Deputy Prime Minister Trịnh Đình Dũng and Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc to the Netherlands last year. I also would like to mention H.E. Ambassador Nguyễn Nguyệt Nga, with whom I had many conversations about how to further the case of gender equality and whom I admired in her role as chair of the APEC Women’s Summit. In contacts with the line ministries I also had the pleasure of meeting many interesting women. It was great that the only female minister in the Vietnamese government was a member of the delegation that visited the Netherlands with Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc. Minister Nguyễn Thị Kim Tiến showed leadership when she backed the “She Decides”- campaign, aimed at the reproductive health and rights of women, started by our former Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

FOREWORD With a female farmer in Quang Binh.

Let me also point the spotlight at two vice ministers, vice minister Phan Thị Mỹ Linh of construction and Vice Minister Đào Hồng Lan of Molisa. Vice Minister Linh visited the Netherlands several times and shows a keen interest in the Dutch concepts for water management, aviation and smart cities. Vice Minister Lan of the Ministry of Social Affairs is a great interlocutor when speaking about the fight against violence against women, a phenomenon that we unfortunately find in both our countries. I hope that after having read the above you understand how grateful I am having been apart of the 45 years of diplomatic relations. Just imagine how much I could have added if I would have also mentioned the many interesting and competent men I met in the course of my work.

Presenting Dutch pears with colleagues from MOFA.

I am very happy that the first minister who visited Viet Nam in 2018, the year of the celebration of our 45 anniversary as diplomatic partners, our Minister for Trade Investment and Development, is a woman, H.E. Ms. Sigrid Kaag. The fact that she represents development and trade is significant because in both realms relations have been strong. We are partners in our ambition to achieve the sustainable development goals in Viet Nam as well as in the Netherlands. We want to strengthen our trade and investment relations to the benefit of both countries. Both our strategic partnerships in water management and in sustainable agriculture are geared to achieve sustainability that caters to the 3 P’s, People, Planet and Profit: a development that is inclusive, environmentally friendly and lets business thrive.

Unfortunately I will have to say goodbye to Viet Nam this summer but I will leave inspired by many. I am convinced that our relations will be even stronger in the future and that the Dutch and the Vietnamese will have a lot to celebrate in 5 years’ time when we look back upon half a century of our joint diplomatic journey.

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Mu Cang Chai terraced rice fields from above.

Former Ambassa This year, 2018 has marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands which were established on 9 April 1973. It is very inspiring to know that Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Ms. Sigrid Kaag has just led a Dutch business delegation to visit Viet Nam ( 5-7 February 2018 ), which aimed at finding new mutual business opportunities, strengthening the Netherlandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; relations with Viet Nam and launching the celebrations of the 45 years of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands. As Vietnamese ambassador in the Netherlands (mid 2002 - mid 2006), I have, with much pleasure, seen a steady and strong growth in the bilateral cooperative relations between the Netherlands and Viet Nam. During the time that I worked in the Netherlands as ambassador, development cooperation was dominant in our bilateral relations, extending to many areas. At that time, Viet Nam was included in the group of about 30 priority countries that the Netherlands focussed it bilateral development cooperation, concentrating in Viet Nam on forestry and biodiversity, health, water management, poverty elimination, gender and development, while trade and investment between our two countries were very modest.

Courtesy Viet Nam My Love-Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Viet Nam

It is very impressing to know that today our bilateral relations have become cooperative partner relations, broadened and strengthened in all aspects, economics and politics such as trade and investment, agriculture, education, culture including tourism and sports etc., for the benefit of the people of our two countries. What is interesting to know is that those cooperative partner relations were not only from government to government but also involved more and more people- to - people exchanges, particularly people from the private sector. The economic relations between our two countries are also very impressive. Our bilateral trade and investment in particular have steadily and significantly been increased. There has been a great interest from the Dutch business sector to work in Viet Nam- an emerging market of 90 million people offering lots of opportunities. Today the Netherlands is the biggest European investor in Viet Nam ( 8,17 billion USD up today) and Viet Namâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second biggest European trade partner( the two-way trade volume recorded 7,78 billion USD in 2017). In Viet Nam, the Dutch sell their well- known products like Heineken beer, milk and dairy products (Dutch Lady), etc., ...

letters OF GREETINGS

dor Dinh Thi Minh Huyen The Dutch have also been building and are now building tug boats in Vietnamese shipyards which are sold worldwide. I am so glad to know about this. It is really a great achievement. It reminds me about the wonderful time I worked with my Dutch colleagues in the Netherlands and particularly my memorable visit to Damen Shipyards in 23 February 2004 when I was invited to attend a ceremony of name giving to the first coast guard boat to be delivered to Viet Nam ( SAR 411). I then was given the honour to proceed the launching ceremony by pulling a lever which smashed a bottle of champagne at the side of the boat. That important tradition aimed at bringing good luck to the boat (the other several similar coast guard boats were later for the first time, to be built in Viet Nam). The delivery of this first coast guard boat to Viet Nam in fact, marked the beginning of our cooperation in this specific area.

As former Vietnamese ambassador to the Netherlands and now deputy chairwoman of the Viet Nam - Netherlands Association of Friendship and Cooperation, I feel honored to say that by having worked very hard for the better understanding and strong cooperation between our two countries, I and our Association have made our small contribution to what we have achieved today in our bilateral relations. I am convinced that with concerted efforts made by the governments, business community and people of our two coutries, we will successfully build strong and durable bilateral cooperative partner relations for the prosperity of our two countries for many more years.

Many high-level visites have been exchanged between our two countries’ leaders over those years, have shown their willingness to build strong bilateral cooperative partner relations in the long term. Thanks to those efforts made by the governments, business community and people of our two countries, a lot of achievements have been made in our bilateral cooperative partner relations which served the benefit of our two countries, significantly contributed to Viet Nam’ s economic and social development, improving the lives of the people and poverty alleviation. Viet Nam attaches great importance to learning and cooperating with the Netherlands in those areas that the Netherlands has expertise, experience and technology. Since our two countries live in deltas, we are faced with many challenges, rising sea and river levels and share a common concern on consequences of climate change. Moreover, Viet Nam is one of those ten countries most affected by climate change,particularly in the Mekong delta. It is significant to learn that at present, our two countries have been actively carrying out what we signed in 2010 on Strategic Partnership on Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management and in 2014 on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security. We are also actively working on a plan for the Mekong delta, utilizing Dutch delta technology and agricultural expertise to support Viet Nam in keeping the delta prosperous in the long term. Dutch experience in agriculture has become a valuable handbook for a developing and agricultural country like Viet Nam to learn. The Netherlands continues to be one of Viet Nam’s leading economic partner in Europe while Viet Nam remains an attractive destination for Dutch investors and it is also becoming a more and more popular holiday destination for Dutch travelers. There are still lots of potentials and new areas which our two countries can expand and strengthen our cooperative partnership including strategic partnership for our mutual interest.

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

letters OF GREETINGS

WARM AND HEARTFELT GREETINGS By Joop Scheffers. Former Ambassador of the Netherlands to Viet Nam.

On the happy occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands and as the former Ambassador of the Netherlands to Viet Nam, I wish to send my warm and heartfelt greetings to all those who have contributed to the impressive flourishing relations between our two peoples and countries. I had the privilege of being the Dutch Ambassador in Hanoi to oversee the successful transition, between 2009 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2014, of the nature of our bilateral relationship: from one based on development assistance to a strong economic partnership between equals for our mutual benefit. Companies and inventive individuals expanded their businesses and networks in key sectors. I just mention the key sectors in which I was verymuch directly involved: water management, agriculture and shipbuilding. On the highest governement level, that is the level of Prime Minister, two strategic partnerships could be signed during my tenure: the first one on water management and climate change adaptation in 2010, and the second one on sustainable agriculture and food security in 2014.

I have seen a continuing Dutch commitment to contribute to the sustainable social and economic development of Viet Nam by increasing economic cooperation. And at the same time I have seen how all our Vietnamese partners knew quite well in which key sectors the Dutch side could contribute best. So in many fields both our countries became natural partners, the best basis for sustainable and solid cooperation. I keep warm and valuable memories of all my meetings with Vietnamese people of all walks of life. From visiting schools, hospitals, farms and factories to visiting business events andshipyards. Meeting high officials from the local and central government was another important part of my job. I assisted in many high level visits from both our countries. I enjoyed the positive energy and spirit of friendship and cooperation as both sides shared the same objective: improving the lives of both our peoples. My posting in Viet Nam was there fore both productive and enjoyable. Forever, it will be an important part of my life. I am very happy to note that the same positive energy and spirit are still thriving our bilateral relations. So, the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands will and should be commemorated and celebrated with great pride. Once more, my sincere and warm congratulations.

summary A morning fish market, An Giang Province. Courtesy: Viet Nam My Love-Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Viet Nam

Welcome letters by Ministers and Mayors

Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Stef Blok, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Cora van Nieuwenhuizen-Wijbenga, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management J.J. van Aartsen, Acting Mayor of Amsterdam Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam

Foreword

H.E. Mrs. Ngo Thi Hoa, Ambassador of Viet Nam Nienke Trooster, Dutch Ambassador in Ha Noi

letters of greetings by former ambassadors

Dinh Thi Minh Huyen, Former Ambassador Joop Scheffers, Former Ambassador

Overview of diplomatic relations 45 years of friendship and comprehensive cooperation Mayor Milestones Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visit to the Netherlands Detuty Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dzung’s visit to the Netherlands Multilateral cooperation Highlights of trade and economic cooperation

highlights of economic Relations ‘17-’18 5 6 7 8 9

10 12

16 18

Ho Chi Minh City and Rotterdam Seminar: EU - Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement Workshop: Viet Nam’s development achievements and the Viet Nam - the Netherlands relations Business Forum: Viet Nam promotes domestic market and ASEAN economic opportunities to Dutch and European business PUM Netherlands senior experts Nuffic educational collaboration in Viet Nam

highlights of eDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL COOPERATION ‘17-’18 Viet Nam explored at the Embassy Festival Quan Ho - Hau Dong Vietnamese Diplomatic Women Vietnam Art House

People-to-people diplomacy

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50 years cooperation between MCNV and Viet Nam Viet Nam - Netherlands Friendship and Cooperation Association: The formation and development The overseas Vietnamese community in the Netherlands Milestones of Vietnamese students in the Netherlands ASEAN Sports Day

37 39 40 42

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50 54 56 58 59

Trade associations

List of useful trade associations and websites in the Netherlands and Viet Nam

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

36 37

overview of Diplomatic Relations

VIET NAM THE NETHERLANDS 45 years of friendship and comprehensive cooperation The year 2018 marks an important milestone in the history of the relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands, 45 years since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands. Looking back at our last years, we are proud of the fine development of this special friendship and cooperation.

Emergency shipment of medicines by airfreight to Viet Nam from the Netherlands (1975)

Manifestation against Viet Nam War in by 100.000 people in Utrecht (1972)

Relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands began to flourish in the early 1990s as the Southeast Asia entered a vigorous stage of economic development, capturing the attention of the European countries, including the Netherlands. At the same time, the Dutch Embassy in Viet Nam was re-opened in December 1993 after five years of temporary closure due to financial reason and the first Vietnamese Embassy was established in The Hague in 1998.

STRENGTHENING MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND TRUST TOWARDS A CONSTRUCTIVE AND COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP

Viet Nam and the Netherlands established diplomatic relations on April 9, 1973. After the war in Viet Nam, the Netherlands was one of the first Western countries to provide development assistance to and opened its embassy in Viet Nam in 1976.

Official opening of Dutch hospital (1977)

On July 10, 2017, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the World Bank signed a memorandum of understanding between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Government of the Netherlands on cooperation in food safety management in Viet Nam. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA Since 1993, a frequent exchange of high level delegations from both the Netherlands and Viet Nam manifested an excellent state of cooperation between the two countries, thus creating a basis for strengthened and trustworthy cooperative relations in all areas. Those remarkable visits include the ones to the Netherlands by the Prime Minister Phan Van Khai (2001), Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (2011 and 2014), Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (2017), and the visits to Viet Nam by the Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok (1995), Crown Prince Willem Alexander (2005 and 2011), and Prime Minister Mark Rutte (2014).

Viet Nam and the Netherlands also actively cooperate in multilateral fora, especially in the United Nations, ASEM, and ASEAN - EU frameworks. High - level leaders of both sides met regularly at important international conferences and forums such as the Copenhagen Summit in December 2009, G20 Toronto Summit in June 2010, Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul in March 2012, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development Rio + 20 in June 2012, the Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague in March 2014, the World Economic Forum Meeting in Davos in January 2017.

DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION, A SUCCESSFUL MODEL

The two sides have established a number of cooperative mechanisms and signed numerous important bilateral agreements, creating a legal basis for promoting bilateral relations in various fields, focusing on priority areas such as climate change adaptation and water management, agriculture, oil and gas, maritime economy and logistics. These are also the five priority cooperative areas identified during the visit to Viet Nam by Crown Prince Willem Alexander in 2011.

Over the past several decades, the Netherlands has been one of the biggest EU donors in Viet Nam. Cooperation between the two countries in the first phase mainly focused on development cooperation when the Dutch Government helped Viet Nam overcome the consequences of war and provided valuable technical assistance to develop the agricultural sector in Viet Nam. Dutch aid during this period focused on three areas: forestry and biodiversity, healthcare and state management. In addition to the annual budget for bilateral cooperation, the Netherlands implemented a number of supporting programs for Viet Nam such as ORET/MILIEV (The Development and Environment Related Export Transactions), PSOM (The Private Sector Investment Program), ORIO (The

On October 15, 2005, at the Government Guest House, Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien met with Dutch Crown Prince Willem Alexander. Picture: Nguyen Dan - VNA

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Facility for Infrastructure Development), NICHE (Initiative on cooperation in Higher Education), PPP (Public Private Partnership), G2G (Government to Government) etc... Since January 2014, the Viet Nam Netherlands relations have shifted from partners for development cooperation to equal partners, with a focus on promoting trade and investment. Cooperation programs between the two countries have achieved great success, laying the foundation for the further expansion of the cooperation between the two countries in the future. Besides, the Netherlands - Viet Nam Medical Committee (MCNV), an organization that has involved in different programs supporting Viet Nam tirelessly in the health sector, sustainable livelihood development and poverty reduction from 1968. MCNV will celebrate its 50-year presence in Viet Nam this year.

Pamela Wright MCNV Director receive an award (2008)

COOPERATION IN THE FRAMEWORK OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Viet Nam and the Netherlands have been long - standing cooperation partners on water and climate change. As delta and coastal countries, both countries are most vulnerable to climate change and sea level rise impact. These similarities have led Viet Nam and the Netherlands to become natural partners and friends in a number of areas, particularly the Netherlands became the first strategic sectoral partner of Viet Nam in climate change adaptation and water management. This cooperation was confirmed in the Strategic

On his official visit to Viet Nam from 16 to 17 June 2014, on 16/6/2014, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung and Prime Minister Mark Rutte signed a strategic partnership agreement between the two Governments on sustainable agriculture and food security. Photo: Duc Tam - VNA Partnership on Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management Agreement, signed by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung and Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende in October 2010. The Viet Nam - Netherlands Strategic Partnership is a new cooperation mechanism that covers all present and future cooperation in the field of climate change adaptation and water management. This partnership deepens the relationship between Viet Nam and the Netherlands, with the aim of developing a mutually beneficial cooperation of shared interests. The most prominent activity in the early years of cooperation between the two countries was the completion of the Mekong Delta Plan. That long-term vision Plan has made many recommendations for the Vietnamese authorities, focusing on addressing water resources management issues, adapting to climate change, while taking into account all hypothetical climate change scenarios. The Plan will contribute to the formation of a comprehensive strategy to turn Mekong Delta into a safe and sustainable socio economic region. Currently, the Netherlands is continuing to share its world - leading expertise and technical assistance to Viet Nam in resolving urgent problems such as drought and salinity intrusion, soil subsidence, erosion of rivers and coasts. Many provinces and cities of Viet Nam including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Binh Duong, Vinh Long, An Giang, Dong Thap provinces have cooperated with Dutch localities in the field of green cities, clean water, waste treatment, city planning, urban management, infrastructure development etc... The meetings of the Viet Nam - Netherlands Intergovernmental Committee on Climate change and Water management are held annually to address on those challenging issues. Over the years, Viet Nam and the Netherlands have established and maintained good and long - term cooperative relations in agriculture. One of the most important events in this area is the signing of the bilateral Strategic Partnership on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security by the two Governments, during Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s official visit to Viet Nam in June 2014, elevating the cooperation between the two countries in this field to a new height. Viet Nam and the Netherlands are all major agricultural exporters in the world and are located in coastal areas with strategic geographic position. With expertise and technology, the Netherlands has been gradually assisting Viet Nam to form a sustainable agricultural sector.

The recent visit to the Netherlands in July 2017 by Viet Namese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has been successful with many concrete cooperative agreements reached. Notably, the Prime Ministers Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Prime Minister Mark Rutte signed the two important documents, namely the “Letter of Intent between the two governments on cooperation to facilitate and implement large scale transformative projects for a sustainable Mekong Delta of Viet Nam” and “MoU on cooperation in food safety management”. The visit has strengthened the cooperation between Viet Nam and the Netherlands in many fields and opened up new opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and environment sectors.

and France to become the second largest export market of Viet Nam in the EU. In 2016, the two - way trade turnover reached $6.68 billion, and in 2017 $7.7 billion. Viet Nam’s main export products to the Netherlands include computers, electronic products and components, telephones and components, footwear, textiles, cashew nuts, seafood, etc. Major goods imported from the Netherlands to Viet Nam are machines, equipments, tools and spare parts, automotive and spare parts, milk and milk products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, etc. In recent years, the Netherlands has maintained its ranking as the largest European investors in Viet Nam. By the end of 2017,

On 10/7/2017, in The Hague, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Mark Rutte witnessed the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Minister of Planning and Investment of Viet Nam and the Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation for cooperation within the framework of infrastructure development investment DRIVE. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA

PROMISING TRADE AND INVESTMENT COOPERATION

Trade relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands have been constantly growing with an annual growth rate of over 20%. In 2010, with export turnover of nearly $1.7 billion, the Netherlands has passed the UK

the Netherlands has 304 investment projects in Viet Nam with a total registered capital of $8.17 billion, ranking 11th out of 116 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam. The Dutch investment projects are operating in 29 provinces and cities in Viet Nam, including some big projects in Quang Ninh, Ho Chi

overview of Diplomatic Relations Minh City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, etc. In addition to a number of large investment projects, the Dutch investment projects are generally in medium and small scale. Many investment projects are of big corporations such as Heineken, Unilever, Royal Dutch Shell, Friesland Campina, Akzo Nobel Coating, Royal Philips, ect. On the Vietnamese side, there are 7 investment projects in the Netherlands with total registered capital of USD 6.5 million.

FURTHER EXPANSION OF COOPERATION IN MANY AREAS

Along with the promotion of trade and investment cooperation, Viet Nam and the Netherlands are actively expanding cooperation in many other fields. Bilateral defense cooperation is considered an important area. In the visit to Viet Nam by Dutch Defense Minister Hans Hillen in September 2011, the two Minister signed a MoU on the Defense cooperation. At present, both Ministries have appointed Defense Attachés in each country. The two sides are implementing effective cooperation programs in the fields of training, shipbuilding industry.

opening up new opportunities for cooperation, investment and business in the fields as well as in other branches of transport. In addition, the cooperation between enterprises of the two countries has initially achieved positive results, typically a joint venture between Damen Group and Vietnamese shipbuilding companies, especially with the Viet Nam Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (SBIC) in the construction of Damen - Song Cam Shipyard worth $ 60 million, inaugurated in 2014.

Dutch Embassy in Viet Nam. The community of more than 20,000 overseas Vietnamese living in the Netherlands also plays an integral role in expanding cultural exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding between the two peoples. In education cooperation, the Netherlands has helped Viet Nam in many projects, including the Viet Nam - Netherlands Inter - University Cooperation Program and several Dutch Scholarship Programs. Currently, there are about 1.000 Vietnamese students studying in the Netherlands in the fields of high demand for professional knowledge such as agriculture, environment, business administration, logistics and technology. The Netherlands Education Support Office (NUFFIC NESO Viet Nam), established in February 2006 in Ho Chi Minh City, is playing an important role in supporting the cooperation between universities in both countries.

ELEVATING THE RELATIONSHIP TO A NEW HEIGHT

45 years of friendship and cooperative relations have shown that Viet Nam and the Netherlands are important partners of each other. Basing on the strength of each other, the two sides will continue to promote cooperation with priorities including deepening the political dialogue, maintaining contact and exchange of delegations at all levels; strengthening international cooperation to jointly tackle global challenges; effectively implementing the strategic partnership in the areas of adaptation to climate change - water management and sustainable agriculture food security; expanding practical cooperation mechanisms in the fields of science and technology, transport, education and training, etc. The two sides will continue to intensify trade and investment activities through the strengthening of public-private partnerships, business linkages, maximizing benefits from the Viet Nam - EU Free Trade Agreement and the favorable position as “economic gateways” of both countries in ASEAN and the EU.

In transport cooperation, the two countries have signed some important cooperation agreements such as the Agreement between the Government of Viet Nam and the Netherlands for Air Service between and beyond their

On September 26, 2011, at the Government Office, PM Nguyen Tan Dzung received Dutch Minister of Defense Hans Hillen. Photo: Thong Nhat - VNA

Basing on the past fruitful achievements, mutual understanding and trust, potential and demand for development and cooperation in all fields of the two countries, the Viet Nam - Netherlands relations will be further strengthened, prosperous and successful in the decades ahead.

In the field of cultural cooperation, many cultural exchange activities have been held in the two countries in recent years such as the Viet Nam Cultural Week 2008, and Viet Nam Days 2014 in the Netherlands; Netherlands Village in Ho Chi Minh City in 2010 and 2013. In addition, there were several collaborative projects on preservation of cultural heritage in Hue and Hoi An cities which were funded by the Prince Claus Foundation and the

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

respective territories in 1993, followed by the Protocol amending the Agreement in 2011. The Ministry of Transport of Viet Nam and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on maritime transport, port development and management in 2012. Two other cluster programs on civil aviation and maritime - port - inland waterways between the two sides have been reached, thus

overview of Diplomatic Relations

Major milestones in the Netherlands - Viet Nam relationship 1.

In 1602, the Dutch East India Company (VOC, the Netherlands) ships arrived in Viet Nam to trade spices, rice, silks and ceramics, marking the start of the relationship between the two countries Viet Nam and the Netherlands

The two countries established diplomatic relations on April 9, 1973. The Netherlands was one of the first Western European countries to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords (1973) the Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Viet Nam.

2. During the war by the American in Viet Nam, the peace-loving Dutch people were outraged about the Americans’ technological warfare in Viet Nam and distressed by the suffering of the Vietnamese people. The Medisch Comité Nederland Viet Nam (MCNV) was established in 1968. MCNV’s goal was to offer large-scale medical help to the most severely hit areas in Viet Nam.

Minister Jan Peter Balkenende in October 2010 and during Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s official visit to Viet Nam in June 2014.

4. After 1973, the Netherlands started to provide development assistance to Viet Nam and opened its embassy in 1976.

In the morning of June 17, 2014 in Hanoi, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung and Prime Minister Mark Rutte co-chaired the High level Meeting on cooperation for Integrated Development Assistance for the Mekong Delta. In pictures: Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Photo: Duc Tam - VNA

The Dutch hospital in Quang Tri Province (1975)

Collecting medicine samples for Viet Nam (1970)

Poster help buiding a hospital in Viet Nam (1972)

5. Relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands began to flourish in the early 1990s as the Southeast Asia entered a vigorous stage of economic development, capturing the attention of the European countries, including the Netherlands. At the same time, the Dutch Embassy in Viet Nam was re-opened in December 1993 after five years of temporary closure due to financial reason and the first Vietnamese Embassy was established in The Hague in 1998.

From a common partnership, Viet Nam and the Netherlands relations have developed into Strategic partnership on Climate Change and Water Management (2010) and the Strategic partnerships on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (2014). The Strategic partnership agreements were signed by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Prime

Since the 1990s, the Netherlands and Viet Nam exchanged various delegations at all levels. At the highest level, there were:

THE DELEGATIONS OF VIET NAM ON THEIR VISITS TO THE NETHERLANDS: 01/1995 Deputy Prime Minister Phan Van Khai

11/2012 Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai

10/2001 Prime Minister Phan Van Khai

8/2013 Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh 3/2014 Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung a ttended the World Nuclear Security Summit At the invitation of the Government of the Netherlands, from 22 to 24 September 2014, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai paid a working visit to the Netherlands. Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, co-chaired the 4th meeting of the Viet Nam - Netherlands intergovernmental committee on climate change adaptation and water management and attended “Viet Nam Days in the Netherlands” and other important activities. Photo: Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai works with Amsterdam Mayor Eberhard van der Laan. Photo: Mạnh Hùng - VNA

At the invitation of the Dutch Prime Minister Willem Kok, Prime Minister Phan Van Khai paid an official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands from 14 to 16 October 2001. In photo: Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and Dutch Prime Minister Willem Kok inspected the honor squad during the welcoming ceremony. Photo: The Thuan - VNA 6/2007 Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly Nguyen Van Yeu 9/2008 Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly Huynh Ngoc Son 9/2008 Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem

On 25 March 2014, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung attended the World Nuclear Security Summit held in The Hague, the Netherlands. PM Nguyen Tan Dzung had a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

4/2009 Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong

6/2014 Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly Uong Chu Luu

5/2009 Chairperson of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Le Thanh Hai

9/2014 Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai

The 4th meeting of the Viet Nam - Netherlands intergovernmental committee on climate change adaptation and water management. Photo: Duc Chung-VNA

4/2010 Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung 2010 Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong 9-10/2011 Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung

On September 28, 2011, at the Prime Minister Office in The Hague, the talks between Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte took place

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

In the afternoon of 24 September, in The Hague, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam in collaboration with CBI (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands) and RVO (Ministry of Economy, the Netherlands) organized the Viet Nam - Netherlands Economic Cooperation Forum. Nearly 250 delegates from ministries, sectors, localities and enterprises of the two countries attended the forum. Photo: Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai witnessed the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on fruit and vegetable cooperation between Viet Nam and the Netherlands. Photo: Mạnh Hùng - VNA

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on water planning for the Red-Thai Binh River Basin between Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Thai Lai and Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Environment Melanie Schultz . Photo: Duc Chung - VNA

overview of Diplomatic Relations 4/2017 Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dzung visited the Netherlands and co-chaired the 6th meeting of the Viet Nam - Netherlands intergovernmental Committee on Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management. The two sides agreed to promote cooperation projects in this field, especially the Mekong Delta Project to cope with rising sea level, salt water, coastal erosion. In addition, the two sides also agreed to work together on port management, logistic services and high-tech agriculture

7/2017 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc v isited the Netherlands. During the Prime Minister visit, many concrete cooperative agreements reached helped strengthen the cooperation between Viet Nam and the Netherlands in many fields and open up new opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and environment sectors

In the afternoon of 10/7/2017, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc held talks with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA

During the working visit to the Netherlands and the sixth meeting of the Viet Nam - Netherlands intergovernmental committee on climate change adaptation and water management in the Hague, on April 19, 2017, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dzung paid a courtesy call on Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

In the morning of 19/04/2017, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dzung and Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Environment Melanie Schultz co-chaired the sixth meeting of the Viet NamNetherlands intergovernmental committee on climate change adaptation and water management

FROM THE NETHERLANDS: 1993 Prince Clause - Spouse of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix 6/1995 Prime Minister Wim Kok

At the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet, HE Mr. Willem Kok, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Spouse paid a visit to Viet Nam from 10 to 14 June 1995. Photo: Prime Minister Vo Van Viet guided Prime Minister Willem Kok to inspect the honor guard of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Army of Vietnam. Photo: Minh Dien - VNA 10/2005 Crown Prince Willem Alexander

In the framework of the visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, on July 11, 2017, in The Hague, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had meetings with President of the Senate Ankie Broekers-Knol and Speaker of the House of Representatives Khadija Arib. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA

On October 15, 2005, at the Government Guest House, Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien met with Dutch Crown Prince Willem Alexander. Picture: Nguyen Dan - VNA 9/2006 Minister of International Development Agnes van Argenne On July 10, 2017, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the World Bank signed a memorandum of understanding between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Government of the Netherlands on cooperation in food safety management in Viet Nam. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA

3/2008 Minister of Trade Frank Heemskerk and Minister of Development Cooperation Bert Koenders 3/2011 Crown Prince WillemAlexander and Princess Maxima

overview of Diplomatic Relations 9/2011 Defense Minister Hans Hillen

On September 26, 2011, at the Government Office, PM Nguyen Tan Dzung received Dutch Minister of Defense Hans Hillen. Photo: Thong Nhat - VNA During the visit, the two Defense Ministers signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on bilateral defense cooperation. Since the MOU, the cooperation between the two countries’ defense has progressed. Accordingly, the two sides have increased cooperation in training, shipbuilding, Vietnamese-Dutch language training, and exchange of information and methods to climate change response on the sea. 10/2012 Minister for European Affairs and International Cooperation, Ben Knapen. The Minister paid a visit to Viet Nam to witness the transition from aid to trade and investment. Viet Nam is one of among developing countries where the Netherlands wishes to share knowledge and experience and through development cooperation and economic diplomacy. The Netherlands has been a development aid provider for Viet Nam for the past two decades, focusing on water and climate change, forestry, agriculture, health, HIV / AIDS, and state management, graduate education. The bilateral development assistance was in the transition phase in 2012 to economic cooperation based on common interests. 6/2014 Prime Minister Mark Rutte

At the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand Mark Rutte paid an official visit to Viet Nam from June 16-17, 2014. On 16/6/2014, the official welcome ceremony was held solemnly at the Presidential Palace. Photo: Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung and Prime Minister Mark Rutte inspected the honorary guards of the Viet Nam People’s Army. Photo: Doan Tan - VNA

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

On 16/6/2014, at the National Assembly Office, Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Sinh Hung received PM Mark Rutte on his visit to Vietnam. Photo: Nhan Sang - VNA

In the afternoon of June 17, 2014 in Hai Phong, Prime Minister Mark Rutte attended the ground-breaking ceremony for the “C.Steinweg Bonded Logistics Hub”. Pictured: Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte (middle) and representatives performed groundbreaking ceremony. Picture: Pham Kien - VNA 3/2017 Deputy Minister of Economy of the Netherlands Marjolijn Sonnema visited Viet Nam to host the Food Security Conference. On this occasion, 55 agreements in agriculture were signed between the Dutch and their Vietnamese counterparts.

On June 16, 2014, President Truong Tan Sang received Prime Minister Mark Rutte on his official visit to Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Khang - VNA

In the framework of the official visit to Viet Nam, on June 17, 2014, in Hai Phong, PM Mark Rutte visited Damen Shipyard - Song Cam a joint venture between Song Cam Shipbuilding Joint Stock Company and Damen of the Netherlands, and attended the launching ceremony of the first tug vessel named Damen ASD3212. The vessel was completed after the plant was put into operation three months ago. In picture: Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited the factory. Picture: Pham Kien - VNA

5/2017 Queen Maxima visited Viet Nam to promote adequate, affordable and sustainable access to financial services for people in Viet Nam.

On 30/05/2017, during the visit to Viet Nam, Dutch Queen Maxima met with businessmen, farmers in Don Duong district and Da Lat city (Lam Dong), talked with local people about projects for financial support in agricultural development.

overview of Diplomatic Relations

PRIME MINISTER N VISIT TO THE NETHERLANDS: M 1. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and a high - level delegation of the S.R of Viet Nam visited the Kingdom of the Netherlands from July 8 to July 11 at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The visit was to deepen strategic partnership in climate change adaptation and water management as well as strategic partnership in sustainable development and food security. It was also to promote the cooperation between Viet Nam and the Netherlands in fields of priority, including energy, marine-based economy, logistics services, and call on Dutch firms to do expand their business in Viet Nam.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with Asian - European Business Alliance, Vamec Corporation, the Netherlands Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce. The Dutch entrepreneurs expected to have more opportunities to do business in Viet Nam. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited and cut ribbon at the inauguration of new headquarters of the Vietnamese Embassy in The Hague and had conversations with the officials, embassy staff and representatives of the Vietnamese community who are living, working or studying in the Netherlands.

2. On 8 July, at Schiphol airport, the Prime Minister and his delegation were welcomed by the Dutch Minister of Defence Mrs. Jeanine Hennis. 3. On 9 July, the Prime Minister had a tight working agenda with a variety of activities in the Netherlands.

ê During the visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in the afternoon of July 9, 2017, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received Mr. Joost Vrancken Peeters , member of the NetherlandsViet Nam Chamber of Commerce.

4. On 10 July, the Prime Minister visited Wageningen University, its Research Center and RIKILT-Institute of Food Safety at the WUR.

é In the afternoon of July 9, 2017, in The Hague, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with the embassy staff and the Vietnamese overseas community in the Netherlands. Photo: Thong Nhat - VNA

é In the morning of 10/07/2017, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited the University of Wageningen, in Wageningen city. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited the exhibition area of start-up projects in agriculture of some Dutch companies and Vietnamese students at Wageningen University. Photo: Thong Nhat - VNA During his visit to Wageningen University and Research Center, the PM and delegation were welcomed by Mr. Louise O. Fresco, the President WUR and Mr. Sander Dekker State Secretary for Education, Culture and Science. The PM said he is delighted at the Netherlands’ effort to help Viet Nam in response to climate change, and looks forward to the enhanced partnership between the WUR and universities from Viet Nam in other fields, including agriculture, environment and water management. He urged the university to continue helping Viet Nam to train more personnel, particularly in organic farming since the country has been striving to develop mass production in agriculture, amidst many challenges facing both nations, including climate change.

GUYEN XUAN PHUC AIN ACTIVITIES AND OUTCOMES Prime Minister Phuc took a nearly two-hour helicopter ride to survey delta planning and observed water and sea dykes in some of the Netherlands’ key watershed areas Also on 10 July, PM Phuc and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs and Employment of the Netherlands, Lodewijck Asscher attended the Viet Nam Netherlands Business Forum in The Hague. The forum attracted the participation of 450 enterprises, including nearly 300 from the host country.

At the Viet Nam -Netherlands Business Forum held on 10th July 2017, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc presented a gift of the Viet Nam’s National Food Branding Program to representatives of Dutch Government and business community. He also met with leading Dutch companies such as Heineken, Shell, Damen and Puma Energy.

Both sides reiterated their determination to deepen the relationship between Viet Nam and the Netherlands in a sustainable fashion.

ê During the visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in the afternoon of 10/7/2017, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended and delivered a speech at the Viet Nam - Netherlands Business Forum. Photo: Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc witnessed the handover of cooperation documents between the two countries. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA é During the visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in the afternoon of 10/7/2017 , Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with Arnout Damen, Managing Director of Damen Shipbuilding Corporation. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA

PM Phuc said Viet Nam encourages Dutch enterprises to increase investment in Viet Nam to help the country enhance its processing capability and improve its status in the global value chain. The PM witnessed the signing of deals among businesses from the two countries. On the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended a business roundtable which focused on issues of smart city, airport city and food branding.

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

During the talks, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte noted with satisfaction that the cooperative relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands have been comprehensive and substantive in all areas since the two countries established the Strategic Partnership on Climate Change Adaptation and Management and 2010 Strategic Partnership on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security 2014.

In the afternoon of July 10, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte held talks and witnessed the signing of cooperation documents among ministries and agencies from the two countries.

The two leaders pledged to maintain contact and exchange of high-level delegations, conduct consultation and strengthen cooperation in security, defense and foreign affairs; to promote cooperation in prioritized areas such as climate change adaptation, water management, agriculture, oil and gas, logistic services, shipbuilding and seaport; to step up their partnership in sustainable high-tech agriculture and food safety, improving value chains for meat products, and conducting research on plant varieties adaptive to climate change. The two PMs noted that the Netherlands has become Viet Nam’s second-largest European trade partner, with two-way trade reaching

ç In the afternoon of 10/7/2017, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc held talks with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA

overview of Diplomatic Relations $6.7 billion in 2016, and the largest European investor in Viet Nam, with total registered investment of $7.7 billion. Both believe there is still great potential for further cooperation.

Following the talks, the two PMs and the World Bank Country Director for Viet Nam signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in food safety management.

They were delighted at cooperative achievements in other sectors, including aviation, tourism, and healthcare, as well as the affiliation between localities in the two countries. The two countries will also tighten their coordination and mutual support at multilateral organizations and forums in tandem with promoting bilateral affiliation in national defense and security and peacekeeping activities within the UN framework. Regarding the East Sea, the leaders reiterated the significance of safeguarding peace, stability, security, and maritime and aviation safety and freedom of navigation in waters in the region and in the world. The two sides agreed to closely coordinate for a successful organization of events celebrating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands in 2018.

é On 10/7/2017, in The Hague, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Mark Rutte witnessed the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Minister of Planning and Investment of Viet Nam and the Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation for cooperation within the framework of infrastructure development investment DRIVE. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA

é On July 10, 2017, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the World Bank signed a memorandum of understanding between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Government of the Netherlands on cooperation in food safety management in Viet Nam. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA

é On 10 July 2017, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Mark Rutte witnessed the signing of the agreement between the Viet Nam Coast Guard and Damen Shipbuilding Corporation on a project to build six vessels for the Viet Nam Coast Guard. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA

The two PMs also inked a letter of intent between the two governments on cooperation to facilitate and implement large-scale transformative projects for a sustainable Mekong Delta in Viet Nam, and witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in infrastructure, combating natural disasters, and seaports and logistic services by the ministries and agencies in the two countries.

On July 10, Prime Minister Nguyen è Xuan Phuc and Prime Minister Mark Rutte inked a letter of intent between the two governments on cooperation to facilitate and implement large-scale transformative projects for a sustainable Mekong Delta in Viet Nam Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA

é Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Prime Minister Mark Rutte witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Viet Nam and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment on cooperation in natural disaster mitigation. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA

PM Phuc used the occasion to invite PM Rutte to visit Vietnam, which was accepted with pleasure. The timing will be arranged via diplomatic channels. At the end of the talks, the two sides issued a joint statement on the outcomes of PM Phuc’s official visit to the Netherlands from July 8-11.

In the afternoon of 10 July 2017, è Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Prime Minister Mark Rutte handed over the joint statement. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA The PM visited World Port Centre (PoR) in Rotterdam, PM Phuc and delegation were welcomed by Mr. Allard Castelein, Chief Executive Officer, Port of Rotterdam Authority. The PM met and had talks with Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb. Mayor of the city Ahmed Aboutaleb made the remarks that Rotterdam city is keen to expand multifaceted cooperation with Vietnamese localities, particularly Ho Chi Minh City, in planning, building and management of port infrastructure, navigation training, logistics services, and the prevention of flood tides and urban inundation. 5. On 11 July, PM Phuc met with WEF Managing Director Philipp Roesler, in The Hague, the Netherlands, the PM spoke highly of the cooperation between Viet Nam and the WEF, whilst asking the Managing Director to urge the WEF and European enterprises to expand their investment and business ties with Vietnam, in order to make use of the opportunities brought about by the Vietnam-European Union FTA (EVFTA).

ê During the official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, on July 11, 2017, in The Hague, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with some Dutch businesses. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA

PM Phuc thanked the Netherlands for supporting Viet Nam in implementing the strategic partnership agreements on climate change adaptation, water management, sustainable agriculture and food security, in recent years. He noted that Viet Nam is particularly interested in experience and measures to cope with climate change and hopes that the Netherlands can provide more assistance in this field. PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with President of the Senate Ankie Broekers-Knol and Speaker of the House of Representatives Khadija Arib, in The Hague, the Netherlands, on July 11.

PM Phuc and delegation had a meeting with Mr. Hermen Borst, Deputy Delta Commissioner.

During the visit to the è Kingdom of the Netherlands, in the morning of July 11, 2017, in Rotterdam, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met Deputy Director of the Staff of the Delta Programme Commissioner Hermen Borst. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA

overview of Diplomatic Relations Ă§ In the framework of the visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, on July 11, 2017, in The Hague, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had meetings with President of the Senate Ankie Broekers-Knol and Speaker of the House of Representatives Khadija Arib. Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA

The PM expressed his hope that the Dutch legislative bodies will continue to support and promote the implementation of cooperative programmes between the two nations, within the framework of the strategic partnership agreements on climate change adaptation and water management; and on sustainable agriculture and food security. He asked the Dutch law-making bodies to work on strengthening and supporting trade and investment links between the two countries, while pushing for the early signing and approval of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement, and to consider establishing the Netherlands-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentarian Group, towards expanding legislative cooperation.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Khadija Arib stressed the great potential to further boost the bilateral ties, saying that the two nations need to create more favourable conditions for their enterprises to promote links, thus fully tapping the strengths of the two economies. Khadija Arib affirmed that the Netherlands is willing to share experience and foster cooperation with Viet Nam in the fields of its strengths such as water management, sea level rise and climate change adaptation, dyke construction, ship building, logistics and seaport services. The two sides agreed to enhance the exchange of visits, especially between parliament committees, to foster experience sharing in law making and supervision.

They expressed their belief that the cooperation between the Vietnamese NA and the Dutch legislative bodies will be stronger in the future, contributing to stepping up the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the two nations. 6. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit has been a success, creating an impetus for the development of the Vietnam-Netherlands relations. The bilateral relationship with the Netherlands continues to be a model of dynamic and fruitful cooperation between Viet Nam - a developing country on the path of renovation, integration with a highly developed European country.

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VIETNAMESE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER TRINH DINH DZUNG’S VISIT TO THE NETHERLANDS: 18-21 APRIL 2017 During the working visit to the è Netherlands and the sixth meeting of the Vietnam-Netherlands intergovernmental committee on climate change adaptation and water management in the Hague, on April 19, 2017, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dzung paid a courtesy call on Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. To further promote bilateral cooperation with the Netherlands and to chair the 6th Session of the Viet Nam - Netherlands Intergovernmental Committee on Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management (IC6), Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung visited the Netherlands 18 to 21 April 2017.

ê In the morning of 19/04/2017, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dzung and Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Environment Melanie Schultz co-chaired the sixth meeting of the Vietnam-Netherlands intergovernmental committee on climate change adaptation and water management. The Strategic Partnership Agreement between the Government of Viet Nam and the Government of the Netherlands on climate change adaptation and water management (the Agreement) was signed on 4th October 2010, identifying the strategic cooperation

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Nam in support of MDP implementation, identifying and preparing follow-up projects to mobilise third-party financing.

between two countries in the field of climate change adaptation and water management, through a long-term bilateral partnership cooperation framework. So far, most notable outcomes were the formulation of the Mekong Delta Plan (MDP) and completion of the project “Capacity building for Water Resources University & Hanoi University of Natural Resources - Environment”. The MDP has now been widely recognised by many development partners and international organisations as the guiding principle for assisting the Vietnamese Government in transforming the Mekong Delta towards a sustainable development future. To follow up, both sides will work together on the implementation of an information dissemination project to inform provincial departments and farmer communities about climate adaptation recommendation. The Netherlands will step up its strategic advisory services in coordination with Viet

In addtion to the IC6 meeting, DPM Dung had bilateral talks with Prime Minister Mark Rutte; Water envoy Henk Ovink as well as visited several significant economic companies and establishments such as: 1) Keukenhof Flower Park and Aalsmeer flower auction center adjacent to Schiphol International airport where how the value chain of cooperation in flower farming and trade; the role of lostics infrastructure to support the export of flowers and fresh agrofood to international market; 2) Naco, a subsidiary of Royal Haskoning DHV Group, a world leader in airport design and engineering with involvement in over 600 airports worldwide, presented on the concept of airport city with an airport can do more than its traditional aeronautical services, evolving new non-aeronautical commercial facilities, services and revenue streams, playing a role as a driver for regional economic development and enhance the quality of life; 3) Deltares, an independent institute for applied research in the field of water and subsurface with five areas of expertise such as flood risk; adaptive delta planning; maps out current and future supplies of water;developing knowledge about the quality of soil and water systems etc; 4) boat trip to port of Rotterdam and meeting with Dutch business in dredging and port related services; 5) Sand Motor, an experiment in the management of dynamic coastline.

embassy ofofviet overview Diplomatic nam Relations

Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa and Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau, UNESCO Director-General candidate at a meeting with Dutch Foreign Ministry representatives (2017)

MULTILATERAL COOPERATION BETWEEN VIET NAM AND THE NETHERLANDS For the past years, Viet Nam has persevered with the foreign policy of independence, sovereignty, openness, multilateralization, diversification of external relations and proactive integration into the world under the motto: Viet Nam is willing to become a friend and reliable partner of all countries in the world community, striving for peace, independence and development. Along that line, Viet Nam has made persistent efforts to expand multi-sided, bilateral and multilateral cooperation with countries and territories, with great importance attached to neighbouring and regional countries, major powers, economic and political centers, international and regional organizations on the basis of respect for principles of International Law and the United Nations Charter. Viet Nam has played an active and effective role in many regional and international organizations such as the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Cooperation (APEC), the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the United Nations (UN), thus helping to raise its position and prestige in the international arena.

For its part, the Netherlands considers international cooperation essential to preserve peace and promote security, prosperity and justice throughout the world. Thus, the Netherlands has pursued an active foreign policy, which includes supporting international organisations through the provision of funding, manpower and ideas. Over a quarter of the Dutch development budget goes to programmes run by the United Nations, the European Union, the World Bank and various regional development banks. The country is well represented at international organisation and in addition to embassies and consulates, has its own permanent missions, delegations and representations at organisations like the NATO, the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the OECD. It has also shown a positive stance on such issues as food security, peace and development in the South East Asia, calling on the relevant parties to remain calm and resolve all disputes by peaceful and cooperative measures, in accordance with international laws, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) On the basis of the above firmly-grounded similarities in the foreign policy, Viet Nam and the Netherlands have built up a strong and effective relationship in multilateral fora and maintained the good tradition of mutual support and cooperation, particularly under the framework of the UN, ASEM and the

ASEANâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;EU. Leaders and officials from the two countries regularly meet at the sidelines of international conferences, such as the ASEAN regional security and economic conferences, ASEM Summits and ministerial meetings, the World Economic Forum meetings etc. The Netherlands supported Viet Namâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s candidacy for the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf for the term of 2012-2017, the Human Rights Council (2014-2016), the United Nation Social and Economic Council (2016-2018) and the United Nations Security Council (2020-2021). Viet Nam pledged its support for the Netherlandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bid for the membership in the Human Rights Council (2015-2017) and the United Nations Security Council (2017-2018). The two countries have been cooperating closely with each other to fulfil international development goals such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as to address common challenges such as epidemic, poverty, transnational crimes, climate change, and drug trafficking. Given the above achievements and premises, it is confident that the multilateral cooperation between Viet Nam and the Netherlands will continue to yield more concrete and positive results in the coming period. Nguyen Hai Luu

overview of Diplomatic Relations

HIGHLIGHT OF VIET NAM THE NETHERLANDS TRADE AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION Pictures courtesy: Viet Nam My Love-Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Viet Nam

At present, the two countries have deepened economic cooperation in five top priority sectors including climate change adaptation and water management, energy, agriculture, maritime and logistics. Viet Nam is keen on encouraging introduction of the Dutch advanced business models in port management, aviation, inland transport, high-tech agriculture, high-tech science, and smart city in Viet Nam. The two countries signed important bilateral agreements on aviation cooperation (1993); encouraging and protecting investments (1994); avoiding double taxation (1995); economic, technological and scientific cooperation (1995); an MOU on aviation cooperation program (10/2016) between Viet Nam and 10 Dutch companies, universities/ research institutes in the aviation industry; an MOU on cooperative development (3/2017); an MOU on maritime-port-inland waterways cooperation (2/2018).

Viet Nam’s popular export agricultural products; Cashew nut processing. Left: The Bach Ho drilling rug, Vung Tau Province.

Bottom: Viet Nam’s popular export agricultural products.

Over the years, the two way trade turnover has increased steadily with $302 million in 1997; $973 million in 2005; $1,692 billion in year 2007; $5,5 billion in 2015; and $7,7 billion in 2017. Regarding FDI, the Netherlands is no.1 European investors in Viet Nam with 304 projects and registered capital of $8,17 billion in 2017.

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

highlights of economic relations ‘17-‘18

Ho Chi Minh City and Rotterdam: an unique partnership model Ho Chi Minh City and Rotterdam are delta cities and have mutual challenges in keeping their cities safe and prosperous. The long experience of the city of Rotterdam in flood management in light of climate change adaptation is very useful for Ho Chi Minh city. Rotterdam is advising Ho Chi Minh City on the development and implementation of a climate adaptation plan to help this city avoid disaster as sea level rise and the frequency and severity of flooding increases. On 27th May 2009, Ho Chi Minh City and Rotterdam signed a Letter of Intent about cooperation on Climate Change Adaptation within the context of the Connecting Delta Cities network. On 30th March 2011, both cities signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop an integrated Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for “Ho Chi Minh city moving towards the Sea with Climate Change Adaptation”. This Memorandum of Understanding was the result of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the Government of Viet Nam and the Government of the Netherlands signed on 4th October 2010. The signing of this Memorandum marks the start of close cooperation between the two cities,

with the aim of promoting the environmentally sustainable development of Ho Chi Minh City as both a port and an urban centre, particularly implementing the program “Ho Chi Minh city moving towards the Sea with Climate Change Adaptation”. The program was completed in 2013. During the visit to Ho Chi Minh City of the Deputy Mayor of Rotterdam Alexandra Carla Van Huffelen in April 2014, Ho Chi Minh City and Rotterdam signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation for the period 2013 2015, in which the two cities agreed to jointly implement the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. In May 2015, Mayor of Rotterdam Ahmed Aboutaleb visited Ho Chi Minh City. In this occasion, the two sides agreed to extend the Memorandum for another 3 years from 2015 to 2018.

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Seminar EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) Practical experiences in doing business in Viet Nam

Workshop “Viet nam’s development achievements and the Viet Nam - Netherlands relations”

The Hague, 14 September 2017

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN and to further develop the bilateral economic cooperation between Viet Nam and the Netherlands, the Embassy of Viet Nam in the Netherlands in coordination with Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Netherlands - Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce organized a seminar on Viet Nam - EU Free Trade Agreement, Opportunities and Challenges, Practical Experiences in doing business in Viet Nam. The Deputy Director General, Inter - agency Steering Committee for International Economic Cooperation (ISC) of Viet Nam, Mr. Nguyen Son, Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa and representatives from more than 50 Dutch companies, who have been operating in Viet Nam attended the seminar. At the seminar, speakers introduced the main features, particularly the advantages given by the Agreement to the Dutch as well as Vietnamese companies when this Agreement enters into force. During the dialogues session, speakers and Dutch companies, including Damen, Sunbytes had an open Q&A dialogue and exchanges of practical views related to business environment and practical experiences in setting up and doing business in Viet Nam.

On 16/10/2017, in The Hague, the Embassy of Viet Nam in the Netherlands, in collaboration with the Societe de Witte held a workshop on “Viet Nam’s development achievements and the Viet Nam - Netherlands relations”. Speaking at the workshop, Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa highlighted the achievements that Viet Nam has recorded during the last years, thanks to the implementation of reform policy. Viet Nam has maintained a stable socio - political and economic environment. Annual GDP growth of Viet Nam has averaged over 6 - 7% and since 2010 and Viet Nam has become a middle income developing country. In the coming time, in order to achieve the goal of becoming a modern industrialized country, the Government of Viet Nam will continue to carry out its economic restructuring in association with the conversion of the growth model. According to Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa, the relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands have increasingly been consolidated with exchange of delegations and visits at high level, creating a solid foundation for the strengthening of friendship and cooperation in all areas. Nowadays, the Netherlands has maintained its position as the leading EU investor countries in term of foreign investment with $8.17 billion (in 2017), ranking 11th among the 116 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam. The Netherlands is also among Viet Nam’s top trade partner in Europe with the two - way trade turnover of $7.7 billion. In particular, the Netherlands is the first country to establish a Strategic Partnership with Viet Nam in two areas, namely Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management (10/2010) and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (6/2016). The other speakers gave presentations on Viet Nam socio - cultural development so that the participants of the workshop could have a more comprehensive view about the country. Following the presentations, participants at the workshop also discussed opportunities for cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Viet Nam an active member of ASEAN in the Netherlands ASEAN Committee The Hague is an organisation established in November 2015 by five ASEAN Embassies in the Netherlands (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam) to coordinate the implementation of ASEAN policies in the Netherlands. Viet Nam was one of the founders and took the position as the first chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in The Hague when it was established in November 2015. From then on, the chairmanship of ACTH has been transferred from Viet Nam to Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and now Ambassador of Indonesia is the Chair of ACTH. Ambassador Mme Ngo Thi Hoa will assume the role of Chairperson of ACTH from April 2018. In 2017, ACTH hosted various activities in the Netherlands to consolidate its relations with the Netherlands and other dialogue partners, to promote ASEAN image to the Dutch people such as ASEAN Flag Hoisting, ASEAN Food Zone, ASEAN Film Festival, ASEAN Sports Day and ASEAN Business Forum.

Business Forum: Viet Nam p ASEAN economic opportuni Photo courtesy of the Embassy of Viet Nam

In 2017, to celebrate ASEAN@50 and ASEAN-EU 40th anniversary, Viet Nam and four other ASEAN Embassies hosted the first ASEAN Business Forum in the Hague on 14 September 2017. The event took place with the presence of Mr. Maarten Camps, Assistant Minister of Economy of the Netherlands and Mr. Hans de Boer, President of VNO-NCW-MKB (The Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers) and over 100 Dutch businessmen, investors, scholars and press people. From the ASEAN side, there are Ambassador of Malaysia, H. E. Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ahmad Nazri Yusof ACTH Chairperson, Ambassador of Indonesia H. E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Thailand H.E. Pornprapai Ganjanarintr, Ambassador of the Philippines H.E. Jaime Victor B. Ledda and Ambassador of Viet Nam H.E. Ngo Thi Hoa, together with Embassy staffs in the Netherlands and ASEAN representatives in Belgium. The Forum focused on ASEAN Economic Community and the achievements of ASEAN in the last 50 years. Five speakers from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam provided comprehensive

highlights of economic relations ‘17-‘18

romotes domestic market and ties to Dutch and European business

details on the ASEAN Economic Community and introduced the economic cooperation potential and opportunities of the countries. As for Viet Nam, Mr. Nguyen Son, Deputy Director General, Office of the National Committee for International Economic Cooperation (MOIT) pointed out the competitive advantages of Vietnamese market including human resources, consumption demand, investment incentives and its ongoing international integration; especially the EVFTA Agreement between Viet Nam and the EU, as well as the benefits of the ASEAN Economic Community as a single market to investors. Mr. Son highlighted that as an ASEAN gateway, Viet Nam became a significant linkage in the ASEAN production chain and European goods could penetrate the ASEAN market through Viet Nam.

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

According to ASEAN representatives, the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 has been a milestone in the integration process of the diverse economies into a single market. With a forecast of being the world fourth largest economy by 2030, ASEAN Economic Community offers great opportunities for Dutch and European investors and businesses. In 2016, the ASEAN-Netherlands two way trade revenue has reached 31 billion Euros. The EU is the fourth largest trading partner of ASEAN with a two-way trade value of US $ 200 billion and is the latter’s second largest foreign investor, with the investment capital value of US $ 121 billions. At the forum, Mr. Maarten Camps, Assistant to the Minister for Economic Affairs of the Netherlands and Mr. Hans de Boer, Chairman

of The Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers shared the view that the Dutch have longstanding involvement with the region and enjoy friendly relations with the countries in Southeast Asia. Today, the Netherlands is one of the region’s largest EU investors and EU trading partners with an excellent reputation in those areas which many ASEAN countries take a particular interest in such as agriculture, logistics, high technologies, education and training. Besides the key sectors mentioned above, the specific ASEAN markets provide business opportunities in a variety of other industries. The event is one of the main economic diplomacy activities of the Embassy of Viet Nam in 2017 to strengthen its bilateral and international economic cooperation in the Netherlands and add more economic value to the ASEAN@50 celebration.

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PUM Netherlands senior experts 40 years of sharing knowledge worldwide

PUM aims to contribute to the growth of vibrant Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries and emerging markets. By sharing knowledge, PUM contributes to private sector development, a short cut to empower people and communities economically. Experienced entrepreneurs and professionals from the Netherlands share their knowledge voluntarily at minimal costs. PUM is supported by the Dutch government and largest employers’ organisation in the Netherlands, VNO-NCW. PUM maintains a pool of 2,000 experts, to fulfil over 1,800 missions every year. In more than 30 countries, in Africa, Asia, Latin-America and the Middle-East PUM experts are active. Their effectiveness stems from the fact that they offer advice on a personal basis, from entrepreneur to entrepreneur, on the work floor. Being assessed by a fully independent senior expert offers the opportunity to jump ahead and connect to the latest knowledge and techniques. PUM started in 1978 and has since then become the largest ‘temp agency’ in Europe for professional volunteers. In 2018 PUM celebrates it’s 40-year anniversary.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Entrepreneurs from SMEs turn to PUM with a specific problem that they want to see resolved. Unfortunately, they either don’t have the resources to hire a commercial consultant or, in case they do, there is simply no local consultant around with specific knowledge and experience. After assessment by PUM an expert that matches the requirements of the entrepreneur visits, analyses the problem and comes up with a practical solution. In short, experts may help to improve the quality of a product, streamline the production process and/or logistics; enhance management know-how or identify opportunities for business growth. Teaming up with PUM gives access to a vast pool of knowledge, but also to networks of chambers of commerce, embassies and professional organisations worldwide that could give profits a big boost. Information and knowledge are the keys to innovation and competitiveness.

Being a trading nation, the Netherlands always have been very internationally oriented. The PUM Programme is a direct outcome of that international orientation. PUM experts have earned their stripes in all sectors of the economy, be it agriculture, tourism, medical sciences or logistics. Since they work on a voluntary basis, the costs for applying SMEs are minimal (bed & board for the visiting expert).

PUM IN VIET NAM

In 1993 PUM started activities in Viet Nam. We actively maintain a network of 8 local representatives throughout Viet Nam (Ho Chi Minh, Dalat, Da Nang and Hanoi), connecting directly with entrepreneurs, business support organisations and partners locally. The local representatives can also be contacted for guidance on the application process. In 2017, PUM successively realized almost 100 missions, Business Links and seminars in Viet Nam.

Our experts share their knowledge in the following areas of expertise:

INDUSTRY & TRADE

Chemical & Synthetic Materials, Textile & Leather, Metal Industries, Building & Construction, Trade

SERVICES

Tourism & Hospitality, Vocational Education & Training, Business Consultancy

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT Heath Care, Energy, Environment/CSR

Water,

Waste

FOOD SECURITY

Agriculture & Horticulture, Animal Production, Beekeeping & Fisheries, Food & Beverages Production Since 2017 PUM is also involved in 10 Incubators in Viet Nam. PUM Helps these incubators as customers to make local companies more successful.

CONTACT

For more information, please contact one of our local representatives in Viet Nam. You can find their details on www.pum.nl. PUM is also active on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Your legal gateway to ASEAN

At Kneppelhout & Korthals Lawyers we help clients move forward successfully by being a business partner that advises proactively and pragmatically, removes legal barriers and always goes the extra mile. With more than 300 experts we advise entrepreneurs in the areas of Agri & Food, Maritime & Logistics, Hightech & Industry, Life Sciences & Health and Circularity. Not just any law ďŹ rm What Kneppelhout offers is much more than know-how. As a genuine business partner, our expertise goes beyond legal matters. For instance, we also advise our clients on innovation and expansion issues. ASEAN Partner DFDL The collaboration with ASEAN partner DFDL enables us to have the largest Asian practise within the Benelux. Together with DFDL we have a signiďŹ cant presence in all the ASEAN countries such as Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh). Kneppelhout is also a member of Netherlands-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce.

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highlights of EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL COOPERATION â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;17-â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;18

NUFFIC EDUCATIONAL COLLABORATION IN VIET NAM By Koen Yap & Pham Dinh Bang.

Nuffic has collaborated with Viet Nam for 45 years, in six capacity building programmes in higher education all funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The purpose of these programmes was and is to assist Viet Nam in strengthening its institutional capacity for post-secondary education and training in a sustainable way to meet their own needs for trained manpower. Involvement started in the seventies with the Collaborative Partnership Program (SV) followed by University Program for Development Cooperation(PUO), the Joint Financing Programme for Cooperation in Higher Education Programme (MHO) followed by the projects programme of the consortium of Dutch International Education Institutes called SAIL (2000 -2010) , the Netherlands Programme for Institutional Strengthening of Post-secondary Education and Training Capacity Netherlands (NPT), and ultimately the Netherlands Initiative for Capacity Development in Higher Education programme (NICHE I and NICHE II) and the Netherlands Fellowship Programme NFP. Over the years projects have brought about systemic programmatic changes in post-secondary and higher education in Viet Nam. Linking educational development to the capacity needs of the ever changing labour market requirements by equipping graduates with employable skills and instilling gender equality are some of the characteristics of the programmes. Cooperation of educational institutes with line ministries in i.e. areas of water, food security and health education and linking these projects to the Dutch- Vietnamese bilateral initiatives have led to important changes in the educational landscape in Viet Nam. Over the years more than 60 Dutch institutions worked together with over 120 Vietnamese institutions in improving higher education. Grants and fellowships are estimated at approximately of 90 Million EURO. Joint ventures and numerous partnerships have been set up between i.e. VINWATER between the Water Resource University WRU and Delft University to facilitate cooperation in water resource management. At present over 500 Vietnamese students are enrolled in Dutch higher education institutions. The Orange Tulip Scholarship Award Ceremony for Vietnamese Students in Ho Chi Minh City with the presence of former Dutch Consul Kenza Tarqaat and Nuffic representative Pham Dinh Bang.

As an illustration of the programmes, the NICHE project on Professional Oriented Higher Education POHE carried out by Saxion university & consortium in collaboration with the eight Vietnamese universities and Ministry of Education and Training has led to system wide educational changes. This has culminated in improved educational legislation in which study programmes need to be designed in such a way that they meet knowledge and skill requirements of future employers: www.saxion.edu/site/_news/profession-oriented-higher-educationarrives-in-vietnam. In the NICHE projects in the last few years over 45,000 students were trained most of which able to find employment within 3 months of graduating. A new worldwide capacity building programme called the Orange Knowledge Programme OKP is presently being designed which will also benefit Viet Nam in years to come: www.nuffic.nl/en/capacity-building/orangeknowledge-programme-okp.

embassy of viet nam

Dutch education exhibition with the presence of Dutch Ambassador Nienke Trooster.

Nuffic has been awarded a medal of merit in 2017 by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training for its contribution to comprehensive reform of higher education in Viet Nam. The Nuffic Netherlands Education Support Office (NESO) was set up in 2006 to raise awareness and market Dutch higher education in Viet Nam through alumni activities, scholarships and capacity building. Nuffic regards alumni activities crucial to Vietnamese Dutch cooperation. The Dutch way of educating has led to a mind shift in higher education in Viet Nam. “The Dutch institutions’ strengths are multinational culture and outlook and international study programmes as well as teamwork” says Dr. Le Quang Minh, former Vice Rector of Viet Nam National University, a congressman and the first Vietnamese PhD alumnus of Wageningen University. NESO acts as a facilitator between Dutch and Vietnamese higher education institutions and private companies, which is especially important now that the Netherlands is covering 35.5% of European investment in Viet Nam.

OVER THE YEARS MORE THAN 60 DUTCH INSTITUTIONS WORKED TOGETHER WITH OVER 120 VIETNAMESE INSTITUTIONS IN IMPROVING HIGHER EDUCATION. GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS ARE ESTIMATED AT APPROXIMATELY OF 90 MILLION EURO.

ALUMNI EVENT IN VIET NAM

Tailor-made training, alumni events, refresher courses, quality education enhancement are among what NESO can offer to develop human resources and sustain a bright future for Viet Nam. www.nesovietnam.org.

IN THE NICHE PROJECTS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS OVER 45,000 STUDENTS WERE TRAINED MOST OF WHICH ABLE TO FIND EMPLOYMENT WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF GRADUATING.

Mr. Koen Yap-Nuffic, was awarded the honorary medal for education development by the Vietnamese Education Ministry (2016).

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Head Office

C. Steinweg Group

Parmentierplein 1, 3088 GN Rotterdam P.O. Box 1068, 3000 BB Rotterdam The Netherlands Phone: +31-(0)10 - 48.79.555 E-mail: info@nl.steinweg.com Website: www.steinweg.com

Independent. Logistics. Since 1847

C. Steinweg Warehousing ( Vietnam ) Co., Ltd.

C. Steinweg Hai Phong Co., Ltd.

Lot 43, Road no. 9, Song Than 1 Industrial Zone, Di An Ward, Di An Town, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam Co.Reg.No. / VAT Reg.No. : 3700378628 Tel: +84 274 3737169 / E-mail: hcmc@vn.steinweg.com

Lot CN 5.6A, Dinh Vu Industrial Zone, Dong Hai 2 Ward, Hai An Dist., Hai Phong City, Vietnam Co.Reg.No. / VAT Reg.No. : 0201555763 Tel: +84 225 3556778 / E-mail: haiphong@vn.steinweg.com

VIETNAMESE CULINARY DELIGHTS AND ITS WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGES EXPLORED AT THE EMBASSY FESTIVAL “The Embassy Festival is an international event that spotlights the many different cultures that reside in The Hague through a bustling one-day outdoor programme of music, activities, art, theatre, culinary delights, debates and readings. Visitors are welcomed to explore foreign cultures and discover both modern and classic aspects of the many different cultures present. With all this cultural richness concentrated on the Lange Voorhout, the festival sets an important social statement; cultural diversity brings atmosphere and togetherness” (-EFFE-) EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Every year in the first weekend of September, the Embassy Festival Den Haag will present a broad cultural programme that fans of music, dance, theatre and food & drinks from all over the world will be happily surprised. The Embassy of Viet Nam has participated into the Embassy Festival twice since 2016. At the first participation on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of Viet Nam National Day (2 September 2016), the Embassy brought to the Festival the Vietnamese “Endless Charm” in culture and cuisine. An impressive video full of picturesque sceneries about the country was screened, creating an friendly atmosphere at the Vietnamese stand. A crowd of youngest visitors gathered in front of the booth playing Vietnamese folk games. Chefs from “Banh Mi Girls” offered international food lovers queuing for their turn to taste special Vietnamese finger foods and fresh and healthy spring rolls. At the Embassy Festival (5th edition) on September 2, 2017, Viet Nam joins the Festival with 4 Asean Embassies (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand) in the

ASEAN FOOD ZONE to promote Asean culture and culinary beauty on the occasion the 50th anniversary of ASEAN. This time Viet Nam chooses to promote itself as a tourist destination, an lucrative market and a rich culture with handicrafts, food and traditional games to international guests. The Viet Nam Pavilion attracts a lot of visitors. The Kid compound is created for kids where they can paint their dreams on little conical hats. At the food court, “Viet Nam Little Corner” chefs serve Vietnamese fast food including beef noodles, banh mi thit and fresh spring rolls. The group of Vietnamese in the Asean Ladies Circle treats customers with fried shrimp rolls, four-season sweet and Vietnamese coffee. With over 50.000 visitors, over 45 performances and 51 participating embassies the Embassy Festival 2017 was a huge success! The activities and performances by Viet Nam has created a good impression among the Dutch and international friends of a vibrant Viet Nam, an attractive tourist destination on its path of dynamic international integration.

highlights of EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL COOPERATION ‘17-‘18

QUAN HO – HAU DONG: TWO WORLD HERITAGES ARRIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS Bui Minh Hoa

Quan ho and Hau dong, the two Vietnamese cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO, have been performed for the first time in the Netherlands on the occasion of Viet Nam National Day (September 1st, 2017) and at the Embassy Festival (September 2nd, 2017). The two day performance was staged by a group of thirteen Vietnamese artists led by Mrs. Nguyen Thi Chung, who is recognized as a “Two-Heritage Woman”. On Viet Nam National Day (September 1st, 2017), three Quan ho songs named “Moi nuoc moi trau’’, ‘’Ngoi tua song dao’’, ‘’Lang quan ho que toi’’ were performed by the lead singers: Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hong Thai, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Chung, Mr. Vu Hong Kien and others. Hau dong sessions were practiced accordingly with songs praising Saint Tran, the Tenth

Prince, the Sixth Holy Dame (Chau Luc), Co be Thuong ngan which were performed by Mrs. Nguyen Thi Chung, Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Mrs. Tran Thi Thanh Hai (main artists) with the support of Nguyen Thi Hien, Son Tung, Hai Van (artists) and Bui Kim Dung, Bui Tran Nam, Xuan Tuyen and The Anh (musicians). At the Embassy Festival, the 15-minute performance of Vietnamese delegation presented Quan ho song “Moi nuoc, moi trau” and the Hau dong session of “Co Chin” (the Ninth Royal Damsel). The program showed the quintessence of both cultural heritages to the international friends and was well-received by the audience for its distinctive performing arts (Hau dong), its touching melodies and charming moves by performers in their traditional dress (Quan ho). Quan họ singing is a Vietnamese folk music style characterized both by its antiphonal nature, with alternating groups of female

and male singers issuing musical challenges and responses, and by the fact that most of the songs in the repertoire deal with topics of love and sentimentality as experienced by young adults. Quan ho is recognised as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO in 2009. Len dong (going into a trance) is a ritual whereby a medium incarnates the souls of gods and spirits. It is practiced as part of the cult of the Holy Mothers to minister to the needs of the population and bring good health and prosperity. The sessions involve a number of artistic elements, such as music, singing, dance and the use of costumes. The Hau dong ritual itself is considered to be an element of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage. 1 Len Dong – Main artist – Thanh Hai 2 Quan Ho – Main Artress – Nguyen Thi Chung 3 Quan Ho at Embassy Festival 4 Chau Luc session 5 Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa with the group of Vietnamese artists at the Embassy Festival 6, 7 International audience at the Embassy Festival

Outing to cycle around The Hague and learn the city’s iconic attractions and its hidden gems, in order from left to right: Ms. Tran Thi Mai Huong, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lien, Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Huong, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha and Ms. Pham Tuan Hong Hanh.

Vietnamese diplomatic women

Active in community activities in the Netherlands As a tradition, the Vietnamese women always play an important role at work and in society. At the Embassy of Viet Nam in the Hague, the group of 10 female diplomats and spouses, under the leadership of Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa, is always a key force in the Embassy’s external affairs, its outreach and community activities. Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa is the second female ambassador of the S.R. of Viet Nam to the Netherlands. Despite her tight working schedule full of bilateral activities and multilateral meetings in the frameworks of OPCW, PCA etc., she is also actively involved in the Ladies Ambassador Group in The Hague to connect with other Ambassadors. In or out of office, the Vietnamese female diplomats and diplomat spouses are active representatives of the country, serving as a bridge connecting the Vietnamese culture with the Dutch and international fellows. On the Vietnamese National Day, in the Embassy Festival or at the welcome ceremony of the delegation of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to the Netherlands, the delicious culinary delights they make, the charming traditional dress they wear send a message to

the audience about the beauty of Vietnamese cuisine and culture. In every cultural events of the Embassy such as the Vietnamese New Year Gathering, the preparation of female diplomats and spouses contributes to the success of the days. As Viet Nam is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Embassy females also participates in ASEAN activities to introduce the Association to the people of the Netherlands. From the beginning of 2017, 10 Vietnamese females have officially joined the ALC (ASEAN Ladies Circle). The Vietnamese women is always in company with ALC in all activities: including the ALC Cycling around the city of the Hague to connect ASEAN and the Hague people, and the ASEAN Flag Hoisting to celebrate the establishment of ASEAN on August 8.

In 2018, Viet Nam celebrates the 45 anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Netherlands. The Embassy is to make the year 2018 a memorable one with a cultural program and a series of celebrative events. For their part, the Vietnamese female group will preside over a gathering of ALC to introduce the native culture and traditional food to the neighboring ASEAN countries. Moreover, on the occasion of the National Day and the Embassy Festival 2018, international guests and participants will continue to be surprised by the culinary delights and distinctive cultural performance of Viet Nam, most of them will be prepared by the female group. Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa and Ambassador Nienke Trooster with Embassy staff and Vietnamese expats at the welcome ceremony of PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc 7/2017. Photo’s courtesy of the Embassy of Viet Nam

highlights of EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL COOPERATION ‘17-‘18

Vietnam Art House VIETNAMESE CONTEMPORARY ART IS A UNIQUE FUSION OF ORIENTAL PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE AND WESTERN TECHNIQUES AND STYLES.

Vietnam Art House (VAH), known as a fine arts address in The Hague, promotes affordable Vietnamese contemporary art from well-known and emerging artists.

Mr Pham Toan Thang, Minister Counsellor, Viet Nam Embassy delivered opening speech at the exhibition VBMP #4, 10th July 2017.

Vietnam Art House was founded by Jim Broens and Hanh Do who are both frequent visitors to Viet Nam over the last 20 years. They know personally many of leading artists in the country. VAH would like to contribute to the promotion of Viet Nam fine arts and offers affordable original paintings to art collectors worldwide. Our clients include collectors, corporations, interior designers and visitors who fall in love with the vibrant works on display in The Hague. During the last decade, a lot of Vietnamese artists emerged successfully and have made works of international standard. Some artists are now achieving high prices internationally. We believe that Vietnamese contemporary art is still at an early stage of commercial recognition both in Asia and the West. It therefore offers exceptionally exciting and fruitful opportunities for collectors.

Up to now, Vietnam Art House organized four fine arts exhibitions with the theme ‘Vietnam Beauties: A Modern Perspective 1, 2, 3, 4 - VBMP’ and a lot of meetings to introduce Vietnamese fine arts to Dutch and International friends based in the Netherlands who love the culture and art of Viet Nam, coming together to enjoy paintings and music at VAH.

Although we cannot guarantee you a return on your investment we are prepared to buy back from you any painting sold at its original purchase price. That may indicate to you our confidence in the artworks we sell.

Vietnam Art House is sponsored by Vietnam Consult & Trading (VCT) in close cooperation with Vietnam’s best emerging and well-known artists and leading galleries.

In addition to our own long experience in dealing with Vietnamese artists, we are supported by an ‘Advisory Committee’, which includes nine people with different backgrounds but all know Viet Nam very well. Together we select carefully original art works for the shows. We organize selling exhibitions, meetings and auctions of art works for charity.

We shall organize an exhibition and lecture in 2018 to celebrate 45th anniversary of Netherlands - Viet Nam diplomatic relation. Please contact us by email for further information.

Most of our events are endorsed by Vietnamese Embassy to the Netherlands and participated by dozens of Vietnamese artists.

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

VIETNAM ART HOUSE (VAH)

Laan van Meerdervoort 89 2517AT The Hague, the Netherlands +31 70 388 59 65, vah@vietnamart.eu, www.vietnamart.eu

people-to-people diplomacy

1968-2018 50 YEARS COOPERATION BET In 1968, the Dutch medical doctors Professor Jaap de Haas, Dr. Nick van Rhijn and Dr. Fred Groenink founded the Medical Committee Netherlands-Viet Nam (MCNV). They were outraged about the Americans’ technological warfare in Viet Nam and distressed by the suffering of the Vietnamese people. MCNV’s goal was to offer large-scale medical help to the most severely hit areas in Vietnam.

Nowadays, the former hospital houses the MCNV museum. Countless posters, photographs, video- and sound fragments and many objects show the history of MCNV and provide an impressive image of the protest against the Viet Nam war and the massive solidarity shown by the Dutch people. The museum is a symbol of more than thirty years of cooperation between the province of Quang Tri and MCNV and the Dutch people, and is dedicated to the faithful MCNV-donors.

TUBERCULOSIS

SOLIDARITY

In those years, the inhumane warfare in Viet Nam caused great indignation across the world and certainly in the Netherlands. It was the time of protests, demonstrations and actions, but also of “put your money where your mouth is”. Out of solidarity many Dutch people donated money. In 1973, MCNV had 67,000 donors, who had already donated a good 4 million euros. The aid initially consisted of sending medical supplies and medicines. After the Viet Nam war ended in 1975, relief aid was provided for a few more years. The Dutch proved to be very inventive in thinking up solidarity campaigns, from “Musicians for Vietnam” to “Knitting for Vietnam”. By the mid-seventies, MCNV had grown into a strong organisation with two paid employees and 40 volunteers in the office in Amsterdam and 600 volunteers across the country.

HOLLAND HOSPITAL

In 1973, under the leadership of Nick van Rhijn, MCNV made the first plans for donating a hospital to Quang Tri, the province hardest hit by the war. With the support of Dutch donors, the Minister for Developing Countries Jan Pronk and all the Dutch universities, which adopted parts of the hospital, building could begin in 1974. In 1977, the Holland Hospital in Dong Ha was officially opened.

1970 Amsterdam protesting the war and president Johnson

1972 Manifestation against VN war Utrecht 100.000 people

After the war, the horrible consequences for Viet Nam became known, and MCNV, by then the largest Viet Nam committee in Europe, began the battle against tuberculosis (tb) and malaria. The MCNV campaign “With 10 guilders a month you can cure a tb patient in Vietnam” marked the beginning of a 25-year campaign against tuberculosis, during which MCNV worked closely with the large tb hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. From 1983 onwards, MCNV collaborated with the Royal Central Association for the Battle against Tuberculosis, and tb experts Dr. Jaap Broekmans and Dr. Nguyen Dinh Huong lay the foundations for the New National Program against tb. A study on identifying and treating tb patients resulted in an extremely successful method to tackle tuberculosis, which is now standardly used across the world.

MALARIA

In 1987, an epidemic of the very dangerous brain-malaria broke out, leading to renewed attention for the battle against malaria. With the financial support of the Ministry of Developing Countries, MCNV introduced DDT to drive the mosquitoes out of the houses. MCNV studies also showed that mosquito-netting impregnated with DDT were effective, and seven years after MCNV began distributing them, 10 million Vietnamese were already sleeping under the nets. The treatment and especially the prevention of the mosquito spread diseases malaria and dengue (knuckle fever) became one of the most important MCNV projects in the nineteen-nineties.

1970 Collecting medicine samples for Vietnam

1973 MCNV activists gathering

1973 Duong Quynh Hoa shows picture of hospital to nurses

1974 Handing over the hospital to VN ambassador

people-to-people diplomacy

WEEN MCNV AND VIETNAM OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

When the Vietnamese government opened its boundaries for foreign investors with its Doi Moi politics and the American trade embargo was lifted in 1994, the Vietnamese economy started to boom. The country developed on various fronts, so that the future for a large part of the population now looks rosy, but at the same time the difference between rich and poor is growing, and in remote areas there are still millions of people living in poverty and without access to education and good (medical) care. Since the nineteen-nineties, MCNV has turned its attention to these people, who cannot yet reap the benefits of progress. In 1997, the southern coastal province of Ben Tre was hit by a typhoon, claiming many casualties out on the sea and destroying hundreds of thousands of houses. This prompted MCNV to begin offering small loans to the bereaved women, enabling them to start up modest businesses to better provide for themselves. MCNV has further developed and spread the system of micro-credit (revolving funds), in close collaboration with the Women’s Union. Taking responsibility for one’s own health became the aim of the Community Managed Health Development project. In about 300 villages in the province of Quang Tri, projects were carried out in which the villagers made their own plans to improve their circumstances. This approach is now supported by MCNV in many places, its goal: health and an improved standard of living. Capacity building, the training of doctors and nurses for medical posts in remote areas, was another fixed value in the work of MCNV. In addition, cooperation networks were set up in the poorest regions of Viet Nam and Lao PDR, connecting health, education and agricultural services and – even more importantly – the inhabitants themselves.

1975 Emergency shipment medicines airfreight six times

LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND

Nowadays MCNV is an international network organisation working on health, nutrition, sustainable production and mainstream education for children with disabilities. All activities of MCNV aim at sustainable improvement of the situation of disadvantaged groups in society. MCNV has offices in Vietnam, Lao PDR and the Netherlands, with Vietnamese and Laotian staff members and Dutch experts. MCNV can carry on with its work thanks to the support of its loyal private donors in the Netherlands, family- and asset funds and Corporate partners. Beside this private support, MCNV receives grants from among others the EU, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and USAID.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF COOPERATION

In 2018 will celebrate its 50th anniversary both here in the Netherlands and in Viet Nam and Laos. The focus of the activities will be in Vietnam, starting in March with the first of four documentaries, broadcasted by VTV4. The other three will follow in May, July and September and a short documentary film in November. In each documentary a specific theme of MCNV will be highlighted so that the four documentaries together give a wide overview of the collaboration between the people of Viet Nam and MCNV. In November we will organize a small festival in Amsterdam, to thank our Dutch private donors and partners for their longtime engagement with MCNV. Hopefully we can show some of the VTV4 documentaries together with one of the films made by Joris Ivens. This year 2018 it is also 50 years after the release of his famous film Le 17e parallèle and it marks 45 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Vietnam. All in all, a remarkable year to celebrate.

1990 spraying houses against Malaria

2002 Village healthworkers meeting Community managed health development 1975 Dutch hospital in Quang Tri province

1977 The Dutch hospital

embassy of viet nam

“Taking responsibility for one’s own health became the aim of the Community Managed Health Development project.” “In about 300 villages in the province of Quang Tri, projects were carried out in which the villagers made their own plans to improve their circumstances”. 1974 Prof de Haas, founder of MCNV 1968-2008 Old and new MCNV staff and volunteers

DAMEN

people-to-people diplomacy

WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS COMMON GOALS

A S A N I N T E G R A L PA R T O F I T S M I S S I O N T O B E C O M E A GLOBAL LEADER IN NICHE MARKETS, DAMEN C O N T I N U E S T O D E V E L O P I T S FA C I L I T I E S I N V I E T N A M . Nearly one hundred years of ship building has demonstrated to us that success comes through living a philosophy that values planning for the long term and developing relationships that endure across the generations. This is a part of the Damen commitment to doing whatever it takes to contribute to the success of our partners and customers all over the world.

WWW.DAMEN.COM

people-to-people diplomacy

Viet Nam - Netherlands Friendship and Cooperation Association The Formation and Development Viet Nam - Netherlands Friendship and Cooperation Association -VNFCA is a social organization, a member of The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations – VUFO. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands (1973 – 2013), VNFCA was founded in January 2013 by the Vietnamese people who love the Netherlands. The main purpose of VNFCA is to promote cooperation and diplomatic relations between the people of Viet Nam and the Netherlands, and strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. VNFCA is responsible for promoting Vietnamese history and culture to the Netherlands, facilitating cooperation in economics, trade, science and technology, education, culture, sports, and tourism between the two countries. VNFCA is led by a steering committee including senior officials, former ambassadors and other intellectuals who are used to be in the Netherlands.

Left: With Mrs. Ambassador Nienke Trooster Right: Signing MoU with Kenlog for smart agriculture at the Viet Nam - Netherlands Business Forum, The Hague July 2017, with the witness of Prime Minister Ng

VNFCA has nearly 200 members and has been in close relations with the Embassies, Holland Alumni Network and other organizations in the Netherlands.

THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME ACTIVITIES OF VNFCA DURING THE PAST YEARS: • In 2014 participating in the Photo Exhibition “Anne Frank – A History for today”, organized by Dutch Embassy in Viet Nam. • In 2015 VNFCA established the Center for Environmental Resources Consulting and Services (CERCS)- which focuses on providing consultant services, technological exchange, science and technology development, and trainings between Viet Nam and the Netherlands. CERCS has successfully facilitated the partnership between Shinec Corp. in Viet Nam and Kenlog Corp. in the Netherlands in smart agriculture technologies. Shinec and Kenlog have signed a MoU at the Viet Nam Netherlands Business Forum, Den Haag July 2017.

• In 2016 Hai Phong VNCFA friendship organization was established to focus on promoting cooperation and partnership between Hai Phong and the Netherlands in various sectors: economics, trade, shipping, energy, and agriculture. Hai Phong VNFCA welcomed Oefening En Uitspanning Band from the Netherlands to perform in Viet Nam. • In 2016 a delegation of VNFCA visited the Netherlands to work with UNESCOIHE-Institute for Water Education, Delft University of Technology, Dutch Water Authorities, Netherlands Water, and Kenlog Horticultural Food Supply Chain Corp. to strengthen partnerships. • In May 2017 VNFCA had a meeting with Mr. Guus Paardekooper, Director of Medisch Comité Nederland Viet Nam (MCNV), and Mrs. Ngo Thi Hoa, Vietnamese Ambassador in Den Haag, the Netherlands to discuss measures to foster people-to-people diplomacy in the Netherlands, the celebration of the 50th anniversary of MCNV in Viet Nam and the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between two countries.

• On October 19 2017 VNCFE participated in the ceremony of Viet Nam Film Institute (VFI) to receive 28 historic documentary films from MCNV and the European Foundation Joris Ivens (EFJI). • In October 2017 representatives of VNFCA participated in Dutch Placement Day-Student Recruitment Fairs, organised by NufficNeso Viet Nam to assist the recruitment of Universiteit Maastricht and Maastricht School of Management; and in European Higher Education Fair organized by the EU Delegation to share study experience • Lately on the occasion of the visit of Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, Ms. Sigrid Kaag (5 to 7 February 2018), VNCFA has participated in a series of activities to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands during 2018. As a results of the aforementioned outstanding achievements and important contribution,, the VNFCA has received the certificate of merit from VUFO.

IN 2018, VNFCA THEREFORE WILL ORGANIZE A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AS THE FOLLOWING: • Organising meetings on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands and the 50th anniversary of MCNV • With the Dutch Embassy in Viet Nam and others to organise a series of ‘Dutch days in Viet Nam’ with exhibitions on agriculture, trade, education and medicine, etc.

New head quarter of the Embassy of Viet Nam in The Hague

The Embassy of Viet Nam is located in Javastraat 1, 2585 AA, The Hague, with a surface area of nearly 1000 m2. The white buildings of the Embassy were renovated and put into use in early 2017.

• Facilitating the establishment of Netherlands-Viet Nam Friendship and Cooperation Association (NVFCA) in the Netherlands. • Promoting exchange of delegations to increase in people-to-people contacts. • Joining hands with education fairs to disseminate Dutch scholarship information and acting as a bridge between prospective Vietnamese students and the universities in the Netherlands. • Providing supports for exhibitions on culture, agriculture, trade between the two countries • Organizing music festivals, football and golf tournaments, etc between the two countries Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the Government delegation paid a visit to and officially inaugurated the new headquarter of the Vietnamese Embassy on the occasion of their visit to the Netherlands on 9th July 2017. Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremonies, the Prime Minister emphasized that the visit aims to further deepen the strategic partnerships in climate change adaptation, water resources management, as well as in sustainable agriculture and food security. He spoke highly of the role of the Vietnamese community in the Netherlands in boosting the bilateral friendship over the past years. The leader expressed his wish that the Embassy would continue fulfilling tasks assigned by the Party and State, contributing to fostering bilateral ties, at the same time, serving as a bridge to connect the overseas Vietnamese with the homeland.

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

people-to-people diplomacy

The Overseas Vietnamese communi Netherlands is an integral part of By Nguyen Cong Chung

The Overseas Vietnamese Association in the Hague was founded in October 1996. Since then, the Association has continuously developed and had a lot of activities for the development of a larger Vietnamese community in the Netherlands, many of those activities helped encourage the Vietnamese expatriates to tighten their bonds with the homeland and maintain the strength of the national unity. The Association often encourages Vietnamese families to preserve the fine traditions of the nation. In this line, common recreation activities for the children during their summer break or vacations are regularly organised. The youngest children are presented with gifts during the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival and visits to neighbouring expat families are conducted regularly by the Association. On the occasion of the Vietnamese national holidays, the families often gather together for enjoyment of the festivity. Annually, in celebration of round anniversaries of the establishment of the Association, all members assemble to review the past actitity and exchange of ideas on new plans for life and work. As being geographically close to the center of the Hague where the Embassy of Viet Nam in the Netherlands locates, the expatriates in the Association have better conditions to participate in activities for the Vietnamese nationals held by the Embassy. Every year, as the National Day (2 September) and the Lunar New Year come, the Vietnamese residents in the Hague are present at the Embassy together with the Vietnamese nationals and students from all over the Netherlands to listen to the Vietnamese Ambassador congratulations, enjoying artistic performance and traditional cuisine. On the occasion of the Mid-autumn Festival celebration at the Embassy, gifts are presented to expatriate children including those of the Association. Representatives

Launching of a Vietnamese language class for Vietnamese expat children (2017)

of the Association join with others in a flower and incense offering ceremony in celebration of Uncle Ho’s birthday at the Embassy. The Hague’s female expatriates and the Embassy also convene a meeting to celebrate the Vietnamese Women’s Day on 20 October. The children of the Association families are enrolled in the first Vietnamese language class for children organized by the Embassy. More important than these regular gatherings, in 2017 the Associate has an honor to be with other Vietnameses to participate in the inauguration of the new Embassy buildings and the ceremony welcoming Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the Vietnamese delegation on their visit to the Netherlands. At the welcome, the Prime Minister spent time talking with the members of the Association, staff of the Embassy and Vietnamese students. The Embassy also attaches importance to and maintains close links with the Association. The Embassy representatives are present to congratulate the Association at the celebration of their founding day. Members of the Association have participated in many activities for Vietnamese diaspora organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national agencies in Viet Nam such as the first, second and third Overseas Vietnamese Conferences in 2009, 2012 and 2016 respectively held in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City; the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long - Dong Do - Ha Noi; the incense offering rituals in honor of Hung Kings in March 2012; the visit to Truong Sa archipelagoes organized the National Committee for Overseas Vietnamese and the Viet Nam People’s Navy in May 2012; the Seminar on sharing experience to improve Vietnamese association and union activities abroad. The Association also sends four youngsters to attend the annual Summer Cultural Camps for overseas Vietnamese youth. These meaningful and practical activities have stimulated patriotism, honor and responsibility among Vietnamese expats, encouraging them to turn towards the fatherland and creating unforgettable impressions among the members of the Association. Top: Female expatriates at Viet Nam Women Day celebration on 20/10/2017. Below: Cash donation ceremony for flood victims held by the Embassy with donors from Vietnamese expats.

ty in the the nation Being an active group which has integrated well into the Dutch society, the Association has favorable conditions to play a significant social role. Over the years, in the spirit of â&#x20AC;&#x153;national empathyâ&#x20AC;?, the Association continuously supports various patriotic movements launched in Viet Nam such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;safeguarding national sovereignty over the sea and islands, donations for flood victims, children suffered from congenital heart disease, children infected with dioxin ... Thanks to the Association activeness in these activities, their members and entity have received numerous certificates of merit and commemorative medals from different ministries, branches in Viet Nam and of the Embassy, most importantly are: Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Mr. Nguyen Cong Chung for the significant contribution to establishing and developing the Vietnamese Diaspora Association in The Hague; Commemorative Medal to Mr. Nguyen Cong Chung for contribution to the public relations of the Central Commission for Mass Mobilization of the CPV; Certificates of Merit of the Committee for the Overseas Vietnamese to Mr. Tran Duy Huong, Mr. Nguyen Van Ninh and Mrs. Tran Thu Thao for significant contributions in community development and communal activities

towards the homeland; Certificate of Merit of the Central Commission for Mass Mobilization to the Association for its great contribution to mobilizing the masse and communities abroad; Certificate of Merit of the Chairman of the State Committee for the Overseas Vietnamese to the Association. Another new year has just come. And as the spring arrives across the Netherlands, the Vietnamese expatriates from all over the country will gather at the Embassy of Viet Nam to enjoy the coziness and love, to talk with each other and taste the distinctive flavors of the national cuisine.

people-to-people diplomacy

REMARKABLE MILESTONES OF THE VIETNAMESE STUDENTS IN THE NETHERLANDS The year 2016 marks the new evolution of the Vietnamese students community with the re-establishment of the Association of Vietnamese Students in the Netherlands. Up to now, the association has connected various generations of Vietnamese students in the Netherlands and been able to organise major public events with great impact on the local and international fellows. The Vietnamese Students in the Netherlands (VSNL) is the official organization of Vietnamese students in the Netherlands which belongs to the Central Vietnamese Student Union, under the auspices of the Vietnamese Embassy in the Netherlands. The main objective of the association is to put the students focus on learning, provide mutual support, strengthen solidarity among students and connecting and developing activities for the Vietnamese students in the Netherlands.

First official event of VSNL: “A touch of Viet Nam” (05/06/2016) in Amsterdam with the participation of more than 100 persons and attendance of the Former Ambassador of Viet Nam in the Netherland

“The Embassy Festival” in The Hague (3/9/2016) an opportunity to promote Vietnamese culture and tourism, exquisite handicrafts and traditional cuisine.

Being a foreign student in the Netherlands, one will encounter unfamiliar practices and will need support to be able to adapt and study well. Therefore, VSNL attempts to share adaptation and study skills and create a familiar environment for students through interesting and useful events. The major events held in 2017 included Alumni Talk in April 2017 about employment opportunities for students in the Netherlands, ASEAN Sports Day in June 2017, the “Departure Briefing” event with Nuffic Neso Viet Nam in July 2017, Embassy Festival in September 2017” and the “Welcome You Freshmen” event also in September 2017. In addition, the Association of the Vietnamese students in the Netherlands also serves as a bridge connecting Viet Nam to the Netherlands, gaining support and understanding of the Dutch people in favor of Viet Nam. The Association has held the “5 senses of Viet Nam Festival” in The Hague in January 2018, an opportunity for international guests to get a glimpse of Vietnamese diverse cuisine, traditional games and musical performances. The Association has mobilised significant support and donations from the Dutch and Vietnamese nationals in the Netherlands for the “Lend a building hand” program which helps rebuild a primary school for ethnic minority children in Khau Tao, Ha Giang Province. Over the past years, the Vietnamese Student Association in the Netherlands has continuously received the guidance and attention from the Student Union and the Embassy of Viet Nam, coordination and assistance from other individuals and organizations in the Netherlands. These actors have made great contribution to the success of the Association events.

“Alumni Talk” (23/4/2017) for Vietnamese students.

people-to-people diplomacy

ASEAN Sports Day:

The tournament that connects studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; spirit Although sports is one of the basic needs of overseas students, the study time has kept us away from healthy exercises as well as creating a playground for students in the Southeast Asia region. Therefore, on July 1, 2017, the ASEAN Sports Day event taking place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands brought together contestants competing in sports, which is one of the series of events to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In the morning of July 1, 2017, a large number of spectators headed towards the Amsterdam Science Park to watch contestants competing in soccer, badminton, puzzle games and co-op game. In spite of not being a professional tournament, the event itself is featured with the fundamental values of sport such as fair-play, compliance with rules. The tournament was also a chance for students to take part in physical exercises and strengthen skills for teamwork.

The Sports Day was successful in introducing the images of Viet Nam, its traditional food and sports spirit to the larger community of Southeast Asian countries. It also promoted daily exercises and enhanced solidarity within the ASEAN.

It was no surprise at all when soccer was clearly the most popular sport in terms of fans. And the spectators were satisfied with the winning spirit of all the players shown on the pitch.

Since it was the first season, of course, there were difficulties. Thanks to the thoughtful assistance of the Vietnamese Embassy, the participation and support of fellow ASEAN Embassies, and the enthusiastic spirit and passion for sports of students and volunteers for the Sports Day, the event attracted the participation of more than 100 students in the Netherlands that come from South East Asia nations including Viet Nam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia. A significant number of international students and representatives of Nuffic Neso Viet Nam also joined the tournament.

At the end of ASEAN Sports Day, as usual, there were unfulfilled dreams from those that missed the championship and luck actually did smile on the winners. The victors deserve all due credit and congratulations on their triumph: they were Thai team in soccer, Indonesian in badminton. Viet Nam was also honoured with two victories in the relay and co-op games. Above all, the contestants were all excited about sports and cherished the virtues of teamwork and comradeship and friendship. The event helped connecting friends and sharing the joy of companion among ASEAN and international students.

At the end of ASEAN Sports Day, although there was sadness from the teams that missed the championship but after all, they recognized the worthiness of the winning team as the Thailand team in soccer, Indonesian in badminton and Viet Nam was also honoured with two victories in the relay and co-op games. Above all, the contestants were all excited and impressed after the competition with so many new friends and enjoying together Vietnamese special food under the sun.

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

It was no surprise at all when soccer was the most well-received. And it also satisfied the spectators with the winning spirit of the players that was shown on the pitch.

The event tended to introduce the images of Viet Nam: traditional food, sports spirit to the community of Southeast Asian countries. Moreover, the event itself also promoted daily exercises and enhancing solidarity within the ASEAN.

Trade Associations

LIST OF USEFUL TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND WEBSITES IN THE NETHERLANDS AND VIET NAM THE NETHERLANDS CBI the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries, contributes to sustainable and inclusive economic development in developing countries through the expansion of exports from these countries to Europe  www.cbi.eu RVO Netherlands Enterprise Agency encourages entrepreneurs in sustainable, agrarian, innovative and international business. It helps with grants, finding business partners, know-how and compliance with laws and regulations.  www.rvo.nl KvK Chamber of commerce is responsible for company’s trade register and its information on office, finance, ownership, ...  www.kvk.nl NFIA Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, services offered by NFIA include: organizing fact-finding missions; arranging meetings with relevant partners; and providing personalized guidance and counsel on tax, government and permit procedures, location options and business solutions  https://investinholland.com ArcticTARIFF a comprehensive web-based tariff system for customs-administration authorities in European Union (EU) countries. The system is compatible with EU requirements and provides flexible and comprehensive functionality, also allowing national regulations to be applied.  http://tarief.douane.nl/tariff/index.jsf

Netherlands government  www.government.nl CBS The responsibility of CBS is two folds: firstly, to compile (official) national statistics and secondly to compile European (community) statistics.  www.cbs.nl CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB)  www.cpb.nl FME the Dutch employers’ organisation in the technology industry.  www.fme.nl VNO-NCW The Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers is the largest employers’ organisation in the Netherlands.  www.vno-ncw.nl Dutchfish.nl This website introduce the fishing industry in the Netherlands including list of Exporters and importers of fish and seafood  www.dutchfish.nl Dutch Spice Trade Association  www.specerijenvereniging.nl NOFOTA Netherlands oils, fats and oilseeds trade association  www.nofota.com

RASFF the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed. The RASFF portal features an interactive searchable online database. It gives public access to summary information about the most recently transmitted RASFF notifications as well as the ability to search for information on any notification issued in the past  https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/rasff_en The Trade Helpdesk helps you to bring your products onto the EU market by providing information on EU rules and regulations. To help importers and exporters seize the trade opportunities of these agreements the EU Trade Helpdesk provides a search tool to find product-specific market information. General information about the EU market and the EU trade agreements in place.  http://trade.ec.europa.eu/tradehelp/ EUR-Lex provides free access, in the 24 official EU languages, to: - the authentic Official Journal of the European Union - EU law (EU treaties, directives, regulations, decisions, consolidated legislation, etc.) - preparatory acts (legislative proposals, reports, green and white papers, etc.) - EU case-law (judgments, orders, etc.) - international agreements - EFTA documents - summaries of EU legislation, which put legal acts into a policy context, explained in plain language - other public documents  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html

VIET NAM Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) * webmaster@vcci.com.vn  www.vcci.com.vn

Viet Nam Association of Rural Industrial Small and Medium Enterprises (VARISME) * vn_varisme@vnn.vn  www.varisme.org.vn

Viet Nam Pharmaceutical Companies Association (VNPCA) * vnpca@fpt.vn  www.vnpca.gov.vn

Viet Nam Cooperative Alliance (VCA) * admin@vca.org.vn  www.vca.org.vn

Viet Nam Tea Association (VITAS) * vitas@fpt.vn  www.vitas.org.vn

Viet Nam Banks Association(VNBA) * info@vnba.org.vn  www.vnba.org.vn

Handicraft And Wood Industry Association (HAWA) * hawa@hcm.fpt.vn  www.hawa.com.vn

Association of Vietnamese Insurers (AVI) * hhbaohiem@hn.vnn.vn  www.avi.org.vn

Viet Nam Leather and Footwear Association (LEFASO) * hhdg@hn.vnn.vn  www.lefaso.org.vn Viet Nam Coffee and Cocoa Association (VICOFA) * vicofa@hn.vnn.vn, vicofa@hcm.vnn.vn  www.vicofa.org.vn

Viet Nam Silk Association Tel: (+84263) 386 3310 Fax: (+84263) 371 7145

Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) * vasep- vasep@fpt.vn  www.vasep.com.vn

Viet Nam Fruit Association (VINAFRUIT) * vinafruit hcm.vnn.vn  www.vinafruit.com

Viet Nam Textile and Clothing Association (VITAS) * vitashn@hn.vnn.vn

Viet Nam Steel Association (VSA) * hiephoithepvn@hn.vnn.vn  www.vsa.com.vn

Viet Nam Timber and Forest Product Association (VIETFOREST) * vifores@fpt.vn, infor@vietfores.org  www.vietfores.org

Viet Nam Pulp and Paper Association (VPPA) * vietnampaper@hn.vnn.vn  www.vppa.vn

Viet Nam Rubber Association (VRA) * vra@vnn.vn  www.vra.com.vn

Viet Nam National Cement Association (VNCA) * cemass@fpt.vn  www.vnca.org.vn

Viet Nam Plastics Association (VPAS) * info@vpas.vn  www.vpas.vn Viet Nam Electronic Industries Association (VEIA) * veia-vn@hn.vnn.vn  www.veia.org.vn Viet Nam Association of Mechanical Industry (VAMI) * vphh@vami.com.vn  www.vami.com.vn Viet Nam Association for Anti-counterfeiting and Trademark Protection (VATAP) * support@hanghoavathuonghieu.com.vn  www.hanghoavathuonghieu.com.vn Viet Nam Standard and Consumer Association (VINASTAS) * info@nguoitieudung.com.vn  www.nguoitieudung.com.vn

EMBASSY OF VIET NAM – 45TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Viet Nam Food Association (VFA) * vietfood@hcm.vnn.vn  www.vietfood.org.vn Viet Nam Cashew Association (VINACAS) * info@vinacas.com.vn  www.vinacas.com.vn (+8424) 3733 989 Viet Nam Pepper Association (VPA) * hotieuvietnam@vnn.vn Viet Nam Building Ceramic Association (VIBCA) * vibca@viettel.com.vn  www.vnceramic.org.vn Viet Nam Association of Liquor, Beer and Beverage * hhbrvn@fpt.vn  www.vba.com.vn

Viet Nam Association of Financial Investors (VAFI) * office@vafi.org.vn  www.vafi.org.vn Viet Nam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (VINASME) * admin@vinasme.com.vn  www.vinasme.vn Viet Nam Association of Craft Villages (VICRAFTS) * nganhnghett@yahoo.com  www.vicrafts.com, www.vietcraftb2b.com Viet Nam E-Commerce Association (VECOM) * office@vecom.vn  www.vecom.vn Viet Nam Tourism Association (VITA) * vtoa@hn.vnn.vn  www.vita.vn Viet Nam Association of Construction Contractors (VACC) * vacc@hn.vnn.vn  http://vacc.vn/ Viet Nam Ship Agents and Brokers Association (VISABA) * visaba@vnn.vn  www.visaba.org.vn Viet Nam Association of Manpower Supply (VAMAS) * vamas@vnn.vn  www.vamas.com.vn Viet Nam Advertising Association (VAA) * info@vaa.org.vn  www.vaa.org.vn Viet Nam Marketing Association (VMA) * info@marketingvietnam.org  www.marketingvietnam.org Viet Nam Lawyers Association (VLA) * vla@fpt.vn  http://vacc.vn/

Improve the quality of to improve one river life for millions THE SECOND HO CHI MINH CITY ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION PROJECT Together with the Vietnamese government weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re improving the water ecosystem of the Saigon River. Because cleaner water leads not only to more opportunities for the economic sector and tourism, but also to a happier daily life for millions of people.

Viet Nam Cities and Towns Courtesy Viet Nam My Love-Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Viet Nam

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embassy of viet nam in the netherlands