Czechia’s emphasis on green and digital transition
Czechia’s emphasis on green and digital transition
As Vietnam and Czechia gear up to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, the two nations are amplifying their collaborative efforts across a range of sectors. Hynek Kmonicek, Czech Ambassador to Vietnam, spoke with VIR’s Khanh Linh about the obstacles and opportunities ahead.
In the context of increasing globalisation and growing challenges posed by climate change, how does the Czech Embassy assess Vietnam’s position on the global stage in advancing green and digital urban development?
Hynek Kmonicek, Czech Ambassador to Vietnam |
As the world grapples with the dual imperatives of environmental sustainability and technological advancement, Vietnam is increasingly positioning itself as a key player in green and digital transformation. Against the backdrop of rapid urbanisation and mounting environmental challenges, the nation has taken bold steps to position itself at the forefront of sustainability.
Vietnam’s proactive stance is exemplified by its ambitious commitments regarding significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and a transition towards renewable energy. These underscore Vietnam’s determination to align its national agenda with global climate priorities.
Within the ASEAN region, Vietnam has emerged as a leader in championing green technology and innovation. The country has taken significant strides in fostering regional collaboration, promoting the adoption of sustainable practices, and developing digital ecosystems that support smart city initiatives.
On the international stage, Vietnam’s strategic geographical position and growing economic influence make it an indispensable partner in global efforts to develop sustainable urban models and cutting-edge digital infrastructure. The country’s vision extends beyond its borders, seeking to contribute to global sustainability through the sharing of best practices and the development of scalable solutions.
Beyond financial support, what initiatives do Czechia offer to support Vietnam achieve its sustainability and digital urban goals?
Czechia offers a range of financial instruments designed to support Vietnam’s green urban development and digital transformation projects. These include development funds that can be allocated to sustainability initiatives, export financing to facilitate the introduction of Czech technology into Vietnam, and opportunities for public-private partnerships aimed at fostering innovation in urban planning and infrastructure.
Beyond the direct financial contributions, Czechia is deeply committed to facilitating knowledge transfer and building Vietnam’s capacity to achieve its green and digital urban development objectives. The Czech government places a strong emphasis on workforce training, equipping local professionals with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of sustainable urban transformation.
Activities such as academic exchanges and technical cooperation initiatives are central to this approach, offering Vietnam access to Czech expertise in fields like renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and sustainable urban planning.
How does the Czech Embassy evaluate the potential for attracting Czech technology companies to invest in Vietnam’s green and digital urban development?
As Vietnam accelerates its efforts to build these areas, the embassy perceives significant potential for Czech technology enterprises to invest in development. The country’s robust commitment to environmental sustainability, paired with the rapid expansion of its urban centres, has positioned it as an attractive destination for companies specialising in smart cities, digital infrastructure, waste management, and renewable energy solutions.
Czech technology firms are uniquely positioned to meet Vietnam’s needs. With expertise in designing and implementing smart city solutions, enhancing digital connectivity, and creating resilient, eco-friendly urban environments, Czech enterprises can offer technologies and strategies that are both innovative and practical. Their experience in integrating digital infrastructure with sustainable urban planning aligns closely with Vietnam’s vision for the future.
Beyond technical expertise, trade agreements between Vietnam and Czechia further enhance the potential for collaboration. Trade agreements provide preferential terms for Czech companies looking to export their technology or establish operations in Vietnam. Additionally, Vietnam’s investment incentives serve as an extra draw for businesses ready to engage in its rapidly growing economy.
What are the primary challenges that Vietnam faces in its pursuit of green and digital urban development?
Vietnam’s ambition is a reflection of its broader commitment to sustainability and innovation. Yet, the road to achieving this vision is fraught with formidable challenges that require coordinated efforts across multiple sectors.
One of the most pressing issues is Vietnam’s ageing infrastructure. Modernising transportation networks, upgrading utilities, and enhancing digital connectivity are critical components of the green and digital urban model but require substantial investment and strategic planning.
Funding is a major hurdle in this endeavour, requiring investment from international partners, development organisations, and private enterprises. Waste and plastic management remain critical concerns, with urban growth intensifying environmental and public health pressures. Additionally, Vietnam’s complex regulatory landscape adds difficulty, as policymakers strive to balance economic growth with environmental protection while ensuring compliance with international standards.
Despite these challenges, Vietnam’s ambitious goals also present remarkable opportunities for global collaboration, with Czechia offering expertise in sustainable urban planning, digital technologies, and renewable energy. Czechia’s experience in eco-friendly urban development provides valuable insights for Vietnam’s unique urbanisation needs.
What initiatives will the Czech Embassy prioritise to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, and which key areas of collaboration will be targeted?
The two nations are set to deepen their strategic partnership with a focus on key areas that reflect their shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. Prioritised areas of collaboration include renewable energy, smart city development, waste management, and the enhancement of digital infrastructure.
These initiatives aim to not only address pressing environmental and technological challenges, but also to position Vietnam as a regional leader in green and digital transformation.
The commemoration of the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Czechia provides a unique opportunity to celebrate past achievements and outline a forward-looking vision for the partnership.
We plan to mark this milestone with a series of initiatives, including exhibitions, forums, and pilots centred on green and digital urban development. These activities are designed to showcase the shared vision of both nations for sustainable progress while fostering deeper economic and technological ties.
The long-term goals for the Vietnam-Czech relationship emphasise expanding research collaborations, enhancing knowledge-sharing platforms, and promoting joint ventures in innovation. These efforts aim to support Vietnam’s sustainable urban transformation while reinforcing Czechia’s role as a key partner in advancing green and digital solutions.
