DaNang (VNA) - Representatives of Vietnamese and Dutch enterprises operatingin innovation and smart city development, water treatment and waste managementin central Da Nang city gathered for a workshop on responsible investment  in the locality on May 25.

Themed “responsible investment and smart urban development”, the event wasjointly held by the municipal People’s Committee and the Dutch Consulate Generalin Ho Chi Minh City.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Ho Ky Minh said the eventaims to promote cooperation in investment, smart city development andinnovation between Da Nang and Dutch partners.

Da Nang has carefully prepared infrastructure and human resources, and policiesto facilitate cooperation with Dutch partners, he noted.

In 2017, the city recorded remarkable economic growth. Its gross regional domestic product and budget revenue respectivelyincreased by 9 percent and 17.96 percent compared to the previous. The city’sforeign direct investment (FDI) inflow in the year was 6.6 times higher than 2016.Meanwhile the tourism sector saw strong development, with a year-on-year rise of20.6 percent in total revenue.

According to Minh, the city officially launched its e-government system in 2014,which prove effective in managing and providing information to local people andenterprises. The model was expanded to many localities nationwide.

 From 2009 to 2016, the city led the country onthe Vietnam ICT Index - the rankings on thereadiness for information and communications technology development andapplication. It also won the first prize of ASEAN ICT Award 2016 onapplication of information technology and communication for the public sector.

Carel Richter, Dutch Consul General to HCM City said people, enterprises,governments, scientists and investors worldwide are seeking solutions to thetwo global key trends of urbanization and climate change.

Accordingto him, Dutch businesses attach special importance to sustainable developmentand social responsibility, with many of them having developed revamped economicmodels that help minimise negative impacts on the environment.

Elmar Bouma from the Investment Promotion agency of the Netherlands said thecountry is advocating and facilitating responsible investment from enterprises. 

Hestressed that factors that help build a quality investment environment includea stable legal system, good infrastructure, human resources and connection amongeducational institutions, of which the legal system is the most important.

Representatives from Dutch enterprises highlighted contributions made by enterprisesto sustainable development in their country.-VNA