Vietnam, Finland strengthen cooperation in green transition

Anders Lindberg, Senior Vice President of Wärtsilä Corporation, and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha (L) (Photo: VNA)

During a Helsinki meeting, Vietnamese and Finnish enterprises explored collaborative opportunities. The event, held within Ha's ongoing official visit to Finland, marked a key milestone in advancing bilateral cooperation toward a green economic transformation, featuring prominent Finnish companies such as Oilon, Merus Power, Operon, Hermia Business, and Wärtsilä, and presenting advanced solutions in renewable energy, wastewater treatment, carbon reduction, and smart technologies.

Operon Vietnam, a subsidiary of Finland’s Operon Group, highlighted its successful implementation of four major wastewater treatment projects in the Southeast Asian country. Funded through Finland’s Public Investment Facility (PIF) credit and valued at 120 million EUR (127 million USD), these projects have significantly improved the water quality and living standards in areas such as Pleiku, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan.

Representatives of Vietnamese ministries addressed critical concerns raised by businesses, including the development of industrial emission standards for power plants and the inclusion of flexible power plants in Power Development Plan VIII. The government also committed to streamlining public investment approval processes for bilateral cooperation projects.

Ha highlighted Vietnam’s vast renewable energy potential, particularly in provinces like Ben Tre, known for their promising biomass energy resources.

He encouraged Finnish enterprises to invest in green hydrogen, wind and solar power, clean industries, and circular economy technologies. Stressing Vietnam’s early-stage development in green energy, Ha recognised Finland’s significant role, particularly its longstanding support in establishing clean water systems and assured commitment to fostering a transparent, fair, and globally aligned investment environment.

Finland’s innovative capabilities, combined with Vietnam’s untapped potential, position the Nordic nation as a regional leader in renewable energy. Additionally, Vietnam’s skilled workforce offers a possibility to quickly adapt to new technologies, fostering high-value collaborations with Finnish firms.

Key Vietnamese corporations such as PVN, EVN, and Vinalines engaged directly with Finnish enterprises, paving the way for partnerships in renewable energy, wastewater treatment, maritime transport, and smart technologies./.