Hanoi (VNA) - Acting Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang recently met with Pekka Voutilainen, Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in environmental protection, hydrometeorology, and concessional public investment, ahead of Party General Secretary To Lam’s upcoming official visit to Finland.
During the meeting on October 8, Voutilainen reaffirmed that Finland closely follows and stands ready to support Vietnam in disaster recovery and climate change adaptation.
Regarding the upcoming visit of General Secretary Lam, the Ambassador said Finland hopes the two sides will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Ambassador Voutilainen also provided updates on projects under the Finnish Public Sector Investment Facility (PIF), noting that up to 35% of the funding is non-refundable.
He highlighted the successful completion of the first phase of the project “Enhancing Upper-Air Meteorological Observation Capacity for Disaster Prevention and Socio-Economic Development in Vietnam,” with the second phase now underway to invest in modern hydrometeorological forecasting equipment. Finland, he said, hopes the MAE will continue its strong support for this project so it can become a key highlight of General Secretary Lam’s visit.
On environmental cooperation, the Ambassador commended the results of the project on promoting the modernisation of air quality management and monitoring systems in Vietnamese urban areas” (2021–2024), implemented by MAE’s Department of Environment with Finnish assistance. The project has strengthened monitoring capacity, improved public information on air quality, and raised community awareness.
He added that many Finnish companies specialising in air quality management and forecasting are keen to cooperate and transfer technology to Vietnam in the near future.
Thang expressed appreciation to the Finnish Government for its consistent support to Vietnam in disaster prevention, meteorological forecasting, environmental protection, and climate change response.
Thang confirmed that he will join the high-level delegation accompanying General Secretary Lam to Finland and personally sign the MoU with the Finnish Ministry of the Environment.
Regarding the hydrometeorology investment project, the minister noted that phase one had achieved positive results, and in phase two, the ministry will carefully coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to select modern and cost-effective equipment, ensuring transparency and investment efficiency. A formal response is expected in October 2025.
On environmental cooperation, he stressed that although Vietnam is a developing country, it places great emphasis on environmental protection, particularly air quality in major cities such as Hanoi.
He acknowledged Finland’s reputation as a green nation with advanced environmental technologies, expressing Vietnam’s desire to deepen cooperation in both policy development and investment attraction.
Thang also expressed interest in studying Finland’s urban air purification model, including technical solutions, management processes, and cost-effectiveness, to explore its potential application in Vietnam.
Both sides agreed to continue discussions and finalise the draft MoU to be signed during Party General Secretary Lam’s official visit to Finland./.
