Vietnam seeks Germany's support in disaster response capacity building

During the opening of the meeting, the Minister shared about the recent trip to the Vocational College of Mechanization and Irrigation (under MARD) in Dong Nai, where Germany had funded a facility for students to improve their electromechanical skills using state-of-the-art and precise equipment. In Dong Thap, Tuong Lai Inter-Level School, employing German educational methods, has garnered significant interest from students. The Minister conveyed his wish for the Ambassador to make a visit and mobilize more funding to bolster these two initiatives.

Ambassador Helga Margarete Barth highlighted that areas under MARD's management present attractive topics for dialogue between the two parties, especially regarding rural development. She noted that there is a noticeable trend of residents in certain rural areas of Germany relocating to larger cities. The Government have taken various steps to encourage people to live, expand, and invest in vocational training within these regions. The Ambassador emphasized Germany's keen interest in vocational training and conveyed enthusiasm for the two projects presented by Minister Le Minh Hoan.

The Ambassador praised MARD for its efforts in coordinating assistance to tackle the consequences of Typhoon Yagi (Typhoon No. 3) and conveyed sincere sympathies for the destruction inflicted by the storm. She valued Vietnam's readiness and swift action in addressing the situation.

Germany has extended its assistance to Vietnam via the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund. The nation is actively seeking further avenues to support Vietnam in light of the extensive destruction caused by the storm, and the recovery efforts are anticipated to be an extended work. The Ambassador sought more information from MARD to enable Germany to evaluate and execute impactful support initiatives. Ambassador Helga Margarete Barth suggested redirecting development aid funds to assist Vietnam in its recovery from the storm's devastation.

Minister Le Minh Hoan emphasized the importance and necessity of all assistance provided during disaster situations.

Recently, Europe has faced significant flooding, with Germany among the nations impacted by these disasters. Minister Le Minh Hoan expressed a keen interest in welcoming Germany dispatch experts to host a forum with MARD. This initiative aims to exchange strategies and scientific as well as technological solutions, alongside systems for warning and forecasting, all geared towards bolstering resilience and mitigating disaster risks.

The Minister asserts that Germany's technical assistance will enhance the resilience of individuals in at-risk regions, particularly as Vietnam shifts from a reactive to a proactive strategy in tackling disaster challenges.

Furthermore, the Minister anticipates Germany's supporting in Vietnam's initiatives to shift towards sustainable agriculture, which encompasses a project aimed at cultivating 1 million hectares of cost, low-emission rice associated with green development in the Mekong Delta. He also sought Germany's assistance in preserving biodiversity, adapting forestry practices in line with the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and addressing market access challenges.

Ambassador Helga Margarete Barth highlighted the significance of MARD as a crucial partner for Germany in the execution of development cooperation efforts. The two parties have effectively worked together on many projects in the Mekong Delta area and in addressing climate change challenges.

Following a shift in their cooperative approach in 2023, both parties remain engaged in collaborative efforts related to forestry initiatives, conservation of forests, and the safeguarding and preservation of natural reserves.

The Ambassador stated that in the latest government negotiations, Germany pledged to provide Vietnam with 34 million euros from a total of 61 million euros designated for development cooperation. Germany urged MARD to accelerate the processes, enabling both parties to swiftly put the cooperation into action.

The Ambassador expected that Vietnam would promptly revise the list of facilities authorized to export pork to the country, thereby facilitating the entry of German pork into a market of 100 million consumers.

Typhoon Yagi, the third tropical storm to hit Việt Nam this year, inflicted great loss of life and property in many northern provinces.

It was the strongest storm to hit the East Sea in 30 years and the most powerful to impact Vietnam in 70 years. With its strong winds, high intensity, and widespread impact, the storm severely affected many northern provinces, resulting in extensive flooding, landslides, and great damage.

The storm particularly devastated Yen Bai Province, where the water level of the Red River surpassed the 1968 record by 1.3 metres. Along with Yen Bai, the provinces of Cao Bang, Lao Cai and Hoa Binh were among the hardest hit, causing severe floods and landslides.