A seminar on up-to-date technology in natural disaster risk reduction and adaptation was jointly organized on November 20 by the Embassy of Sweden and the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment in Ho Chi Minh City. The event is part of a series of activities to commemorate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Sweden (1969-2014). Speaking at the seminar, Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Camilla Mellander said Vietnam has to frequently cope with natural disasters, which harm humans, businesses and the environment. Helping Vietnam protect itself against and prevent future natural disasters is a top concern for Sweden, and the seminar paved the way for the two countries to collaborate in this field, the ambassador added. At the event, Swedish experts and businesses presented new technology in search and rescue and adapting to natural disasters, such as marine monitoring airplanes, off-site hospitals, early warning systems and temporary toilets or houses for use in natural disaster affected areas. Lieutenant General Pham Ngoc Minh, Deputy Chief of the Vietnam National Committee for Search and Rescue (VNCSR), hailed the support of Sweden in the field. He added that Vietnam should implement more initiatives and apply specialized equipment in search and rescue operations. (Vietnamplus.vn Nov 20)
