New Zealand is ready to support Nghe An in dam management.

(Baonghean.vn) - This is an important content in the working session ofWorking Group of the Project "Vietnam - New Zealand Research on Dam Safety and Floodplains"with leaders of Nghe An province on the morning of January 18.

Attending the meeting were Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Canh Thai - Vice Principal of Thuyloi University, Mr. Tom Wilson - First Secretary, Head of Development Cooperation Department, New Zealand Embassy and related officials.

Welcoming the New Zealand ambassadorial delegation were Mr. Dinh Viet Hong - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; leaders of the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Development, Planning and Investment.

Overview of the working session. Photo: My Nga

At the meeting, comrade Dinh Viet Hong introduced some features of the economic, cultural and social situation of Nghe An province as well as some cooperation contents between New Zealand and Nghe An province in the fields of agriculture, education, disaster risk management, etc.

The Vice Chairman of Nghe An Provincial People's Committee affirmed that Nghe An is not only a strategic geographical location of Vietnam with a long border, a diverse, rich and modern transportation system, but the province also has advantages in abundant labor resources, rich resources, especially this is a land with a tradition of studiousness and good learning.

Comrade Dinh Viet Hong introduced to the New Zealand embassy delegation the economic, cultural and social development achievements of Nghe An province in 2016. Photo: My Nga

In the field of disaster risk management, from May 2012 to May 2015, the “Vietnam - New Zealand Research Project on Dam Safety and Floodplains” (Phase 1) was effectively implemented in Nghe An, helping Vietnam in general and Nghe An province in particular to have an overview of the current status of dams in Vietnam, the possibility of damage as well as solutions to minimize damage to people and property due to flood discharge from reservoirs, especially in conditions of particularly large floods.

Thanks to the success and effectiveness of Phase 1, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has approved Phase 2 of the Project, implemented from 2016-2021, with the research area focusing on the Ca River basin, including the two provinces of Nghe An and Ha Tinh.

Therefore, Nghe An hopes that the Delegation will have a successful survey and research trip and soon implement the project to bring benefits to people in flood-affected areas. Nghe An province commits to creating all favorable conditions for Phase 2 of the Project to be effectively implemented in Nghe An.

In addition, comrade Dinh Viet Hong hopes that New Zealand will pay attention to cooperating with Nghe An in areas such as high-tech agriculture, education and training, some ODA projects in the fields of agriculture, disaster risk management, etc. In particular, Nghe An always welcomes foreign investors, including New Zealand, to learn and cooperate, and the province will create the best conditions for investors in Nghe An.

First Secretary, Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of New Zealand Tom Wilson emphasized: New Zealand is ready to support Nghe An in sustainable dam management. Photo: My Nga

Expressing his joy at being able to work in the land of outstanding people, Nghe An, Secretary Tom Wilson said that Vietnam in general, Nghe An in particular and New Zealand have many opportunities for cooperation, especially in the fields of education, disaster risk management and agriculture.

Leaders of Nghe An province and Mr. Tom Wilson presented souvenirs. Photo: My Nga

Mr. Tom Wilson emphasized: “The important role of dams in agricultural development cannot be denied. Nghe An is one of the provinces with a large number of dams, but is facing difficulties in management and operation. We are committed to supporting Nghe An province and sharing experiences in sustainable management of reservoirs.”

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