An international seminar on the application of water-related solutions in Vietnam took place in Hanoi on August 26.

Jointly held by the Israeli Embassy and the World Bank in Vietnam and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the event was to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Vietnam-Israel diplomatic ties and the United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation.

Addressing the event, MARD Deputy Minister Hoang Van Thang thanked sponsors, especially the World Bank (WB), for their strong support given to Vietnam in implementing investment projects and improving institutional capacity.

The bank’s recent assistance is extremely important to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s water resources, he noted.

He also voiced his hope to apply Israel’s advanced irrigation technology in the agricultural restructuring project.

To strengthen the quality of water and limit negative impacts of the environment on living beings, especially humans, nations should renovate technology, use water in a safe manner and pay attention to water use in households, Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Meirav Eilon Shahar said.

The diplomat said that over the past years, Israel has accumulated much experience in this field that can be shared with Vietnam.

WB Country Director in Vietnam Victoria KwaKwa suggested Vietnam should increase its capacity to resist climate change impacts, and have a comprehensive system to manage water resources.

She said that Vietnam should work closely with other countries, especially those with expertise in water use and management, to learn about new approaches to dealing with current water-related difficulties and challenges.

During the seminar, participants also delivered practical solutions to challenges that Vietnam is facing in water use in agricultural, urban and rural water in the context of rising demand for water resources, distribution and services.

They also shared experience in water solutions for agriculture, policy issues, climate change impacts as well as approaches based on the results of water use in urban areas.-VNA