Danish enterprises have started a visit to Vietnam as part of Vietnam-Denmark Water Days 2011 held from March 28 to April 1, to seek investment opportunities in the local water sector, said a senior official said at a meeting in Hanoi Mar 29. The event drew participation of representatives from 11 Danish companies operating in urban water supply and wastewater treatment sector. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Nguyen Thai Lai said that only 70% of its urban residents have gained access to tap water and the rate of water loss remains high with between 30%-40% in urban areas. Meanwhile, irregular upgrading of wastewater systems has led to high risks of environmental pollution to water resources, Lai attributed. Water resource reserves and quality in Vietnam are degrading due to excessive exploitation amid the rapid socio-economic development and negative effects of climate change, he noted. Director of the Grontmij Carl Bro Vietnam branch John Rockhold said there are many prospects and opportunities for Danish firms to invest in Vietnam’s water sector, especially cooperation with private partners in real estate and industrial zone constructions. Last December, the first wastewater treatment plant with the daily capacity of 7,400 cu.m meeting the European standards, became operational in the central highlands city of Da Lat, within the framework of a cooperative project between the countries. Vietnam targets to bring tap water to 90% of its population by 2020 and 100% by 2025. (vietnamplus.vn Mar 29, baodientu.chinhphu.vn Mar 29)
