With an aim to connect and promote trade activities between Vietnamese and Japanese businesses, the Faculty of Environmental Engineering - Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (NUCE), Vietnam Japan High Technology Institute (VJIAT), in coordination with Japan Global Environmental Fund Center (GEC), Business Promotion Forum in the field of water environment in Shiga Prefecture, Japan (Team Water Shiga) organized the program "Japan-Vietnam consultation exchange to provide water treatment solutions in Vietnam” on February 16, 2022.

Representatives of units start off the online meeting 

Participants from 5 water enterprises including Vietnam Water and Environmental Sanitation Co. Ltd. (VESACO), National University of Civil Engineering Technology Development And Investment JSC (NUCETECH), DNP Water Company, HAI DUONG WATER JOINT STOCK COMPANY and Vietnam Water & Environment Corporation JSC (VIWASEEN), along with the Vietnamese individual organizers namely Assoc. Dr. Tran Thi Viet Nga, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, and Dr. Nguyen Lan Huong, Deputy Director of Vietnam Japan CNC Institute. 

On the Japanese side, there were Mr. Yoshihiro OKAZUMI, an advisor to the SHIGA Provincial Trade and Industry Policy Department; Mr. Tetsuo MINAMI, a representative of the Japan Global Environmental Fund Center (GEC); Mr. Nguyen Truong Chinh, a representative of the Forum promoting businesses in the field of water environment in Shiga Prefecture, and 05 Japanese enterprises including KOTOBUKI KANKYOH KIZAI Company – introducing a comprehensive water treatment system (wastewater/ industrial water (including recycling); CENTURY YAMAKYU Corporation - introducing machine tools, mechatronics, environmental products; Aeration diffuser “Aquablaster” for wastewater treatment; HORIBA Advanced Techno Company - introducing Water and Liquid measuring equipment (Wster Quality Analyzer); DAICEN MEMBRANE-SYSTEMS Company - introducing wastewater treatment technology with tubular membrane module; DC Company - introducing liquid and sludge treatment technology.

In the past, SHIGA province faced problems of water pollution. However, businesses, research institutes and authorities joined hands with residents in order to solve the environmental problems and preserve the aquatic environment of Biwa Lake, the largest lake in Japan, shared by Mr. Yoshihiro OKAZUMI to kick off the online meeting. The Advisor also pinned high hope on the program which is the foundation to connect and establish a strategic partnership between Vietnamese and Japanese businesses.

Mr. Yoshihiro OKAZUMI, Advisor of the Industry and Trade Policy Department of SHIGA Prefecture, Japan, kicked off the meeting

Speaking at the event, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Thi Viet Nga - Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, clearly stated the importance of water resources in the process of construction and socio-economic development of each country. Vietnam's urban development currently happens at breakneck speed, leading to an increase in the exploitation of water sources for daily life and production, and simultaneously an increase in the amount of wastewater discharged into the receiving source. 

It is imperative to introduce state-of-the-art, appropriate, and sustainable technical-technological solutions and equipment in order to meet the needs of domestic and industrial wastewater treatment in particular and to achieve the country's sustainable development goals in general. Viet Nga highly appreciates Japan's great contribution to the development of Vietnam's environmental sanitation infrastructure through cooperation at the governmental and local levels, cooperation in operating training-research institutions and promoting professional associations-enterprises and so on. 

Speaking of The Faculty of Environmental Engineering, this is one of the twelve specialized faculties of NUCE and the first Environmental Engineering faculty in the system of technical universities in Vietnam to be founded. Over the period of more than 30 years of establishment, the faculty has prioritized training disciplines/majors from undergraduate to master's, and doctoral levels, and leading in scientific research in the fields of infrastructure and environmental engineering, environmental science and management, and sustainable development. 

The Faculty of Environmental Engineering also accompanies the Japan Institute of Technology in an attempt to provide professional advice and promote B2B connection between the two countries. Additionally, a collaboration between enterprises and state-management agencies in the field is also promoted so that both parties can deploy programs, and projects effectively and meaningfully in the field of wastewater management and environmental protection. 

The Dean appreciated that the online meeting with Shiga province create an opportunity for enterprises in two countries working in water supply and drainage, and wastewater treatment to learn about the needs of each side. Consequently, both parties build strategic development cooperation that is suitable for the very potential water and wastewater treatment market of Vietnam.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Tran Thi Viet Nga - Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering gave a welcome speech

Leading in the main points of the meeting, the Organizers have arranged breakrooms, a flexible function on zoom meeting platform allowing host divided participants into private separated rooms, for businesses to participate. There are two Japanese and Vietnamese enterprises in each room to discuss, share information, introduce typical products and technologies, and learn about potential partners from which to build relationships and prospect partnerships.

Exchange between VESACO Company and DC Company

Exchange between VIWASEEN and DAICEN MEMBRANE-SYSTEMS Company

Introduction of DAICEN MEMBRANE-SYSTEMS Company

Introduction of KOTOBUKI KANKYOH KIZAI Company

Introduction of CENTURY YAMAKYU Corporation

At the end of the seminar, 05 Vietnamese and 05 Japanese enterprises have successfully connected, serving as a premise for developing a direct-sale network and finding the best technological solutions contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam's water industry.