The Danish Embassy in Hanoi held a seminar featuring Vietnam–Denmark links in waste treatment and renewable energy on March 7.

Addressing the event, Danish Minister of Trade and Investment Pia Olsen Dyhr said waste is a valuable resource, adding that the transfer of technology in waste management to Vietnam is in line with the Danish Government’s Growth Strategy, which aims to strengthen the development of green technology and expertise in Vietnam .

Dyhr said she believes the activity will help the two countries cope with declining resources and result in sustainable growth for the two sides.

Deputy Minister of Construction Cao Lai Quang said as part of efforts to realise the green growth strategy, the Vietnamese Government issues policies with priority given to clean water supply and waste management, including the treatment of waste that meet international standards and recycling rubbish.

Quang said he hopes the event will help Danish firms explore investment opportunities in Vietnam to contribute to environmental protection, a strategic partnership in green growth, climate change and energy saving.

Participants at the event had a chance to learn about rubbish collection and treatment in Vietnam and shared their experience in implementing projects to turn rubbish into energy. They were also introduced to waste treatment technology at a fair held by Vietnamese and Danish firms.

Rapid economic growth and urbanisation have put pressure on Vietnam ’s environment over the last year. Domestic households are estimated to produce 50,000 tonnes of rubbish each day, which is expected to double by 2020.

In 2010, the agricultural sector alone generated 75,000 tonnes of waste, with most of it incinerated while it can be turned into bio fuel.-VNA