As a leading European country in offshore wind energy production, Denmark recognizes significant potential for collaboration with Vietnam in this sector.

This recognition led to the establishment of a green strategic partnership between the two nations earlier this month.

Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolai Prytz emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "Vietnam is one of five countries, including India, Indonesia, South Africa, and South Korea, with which Denmark has signed the Green Strategic Partnership. This reflects Denmark's high priority and commitment to Vietnam."

On the evening of November 1, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held an online meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, resulting in the adoption of a joint declaration officially establishing the Green Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Denmark.

Ambassador Prytz explained that the two countries initially intended to launch the Vietnam-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership in late 2022 during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to Europe for the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit.

However, due to certain issues related to Danish politics and the busy schedule of the Vietnamese prime minister, the official announcement was delayed.

The two nations resorted to an online conversation on November 1 after several failed attempts at face-to-face meetings.

“In Denmark, we like to call everything by its proper name," Prytz said.

"In recent years, the Danish government has engaged in strategic cooperation with the Vietnamese government across various aspects of the green transition.

"Therefore, it is high time that we officially designated it a partnership."

Denmark and Vietnam have transitioned from the initial bilateral relationship between a donor and ODA recipient to becoming equal partners.

Denmark, with its high level of expertise and practical experience in wind energy, aims to collaborate and share knowledge with Vietnam, respecting each country's unique starting points and conditions.

Both countries are also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, highlighting Denmark's desire to contribute positively to the world.

The joint declaration announced on November 1 is expected to strengthen and enhance the Danish-Vietnamese partnership in various areas.

These include promoting green dialogue, cooperation in climate, environment, energy, trade, and economic partnership, as well as urban development and sustainable cities and seas.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that following the official declaration, Denmark and Vietnam will work together to create a framework for implementing the declaration, paving the way for a stronger green partnership between the two nations.

Several Danish corporations have started gathering information, considering, and assessing investment opportunities for offshore wind power projects in Vietnam.

Troels Jakobsen, head of commercial affairs at the Embassy of Denmark in Hanoi, said that Danish companies in Vietnam are eager to collaborate with local enterprises. 

He asserted that Vietnam is an attractive investment destination for Danish companies, with more of them establishing a presence in the Southeast Asian country.

Lego Group has set up its first net-zero factory in Binh Duong Province, just outside Ho Chi Minh City, with a total investment exceeding US$1 billion.

Moreover, Vietnamese companies are increasingly participating in the renewable energy supply chain of Danish companies and corporations, such as Vestas.

According to Jakobsen, Vestas supplies approximately 40 percent of Vietnam's wind turbines.

The multinational opened a new office in Ho Chi Minh City in November 2022 to coincide with the visit of Danish Crown Prince Frederik to Vietnam.

These partnerships not only enable Vietnamese companies to play a significant role in the global wind energy supply chain but also help them gain valuable knowledge and experience.

Through collaboration with Denmark, some Vietnamese companies are gaining the confidence to negotiate substantial renewable energy contracts with major foreign partners.

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