VN-Netherlands energy cooperation boosted

PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng speaks at the Việt Nam-Netherlands energy, oil and gas cooperation forum, Hague, September 29, 2011 - Photo: VGP

At the forum, the two sides touched upon issues helping ensure Việt Nam’s energy security, including advanced energy technologies, bilateral energy cooperation mechanisms, facilitation of environmentally friendly energy usage, development of energy-saving programs, and sharing of information on oil supplies….

Prime Minister Nguyễn Tấn Dũng said Việt Nam considers energy as its spearheaded industry to realize millennium development goals, and accelerate national industrialization and modernization.

Việt Nam’s demand for commercial energy is forecast to increase over 7% each year in the 2010 – 2025 period, with electricity demand rising some 15% annually.

The Vietnamese Government is actively taking various measures to ensure energy security, such as putting forth suitable policies to attract investment, especially foreign investment, in the energy sector, and create favorable conditions to well implement operational energy projects in the country.

Việt Nam is also diversifying energy sources, giving priority to the development of renewable energy, LPG and atomic energy. Meanwhile, it is fostering energy-saving programs, building up energy price roadmaps, and strengthening crude oil and oil product reserves…

Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Verhagen said the Netherlands-Việt Nam cooperative ties have developed vigorously in various spheres, including energy.

The Netherlands will continue to closely coordinate with Việt Nam in technology transfer, scientific research, oil and gas training. It will also encourage and support the two countries’ enterprises, especially those operating in the fields of energy and oil and gas, the Deputy Prime Minister said.

At the forum, Prime Minister Nguyễn Tấn Dũng witnessed the signing of memorandums of understanding on energy cooperation, an oil and gas cooperative deal between PetroVietnam and Royal Dutch Shell, a letter of intent between PetroVietnam and a group of Dutch firms, a memorandum of understanding on training cooperation between two universities.

The same day, Prime Minister Nguyễn Tấn Dũng received leaders of Royal Dutch Shell and Heineken, delivering the Vietnamese Government’s pledge of constant support and creation of favorable conditions for the two groups to expand investment and business in Việt Nam.

By Ngọc Vân