Hanoi (VNA) –ꦕ Vietnamese and Danish enterprises signed 14 memoranda of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in clean energy and sustainable development at a ceremony in Hanoi on November 1 in the presence of visiting Danish Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary Elizabeth.

On this occasion, global offshore wind leader Ørsted announced its latest cooperation agreement in Vietnam with Doosan Enerbility Vietnam, focused on infrastructure and boosting local supply chains for offshore wind. With the signing of this MoU, the two companies lead the development of an offshore wind foundations supply chain in Vietnam. In addition to the domestic aspect, the collaboration also has an export angle to support Ørsted's significant global pipeline of offshore wind projects. At the signing ceremony, the Crown Prince said that despite different starting points, Vietnam and Denmark share the same vision on climate change-related issues. He said that Denmark is now the largest foreign direct investor in Vietnam, with 135 businesses operating in Vietnam. He added that Denmark and Vietnam shared the same ambition to develop towards a greener future and net zero emissions.   Danish Crown Prince Frederik has been accompanied by representatives of over 30 leading Danish companies and the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities. Among 36 Danish enterprises, 22 operate in wind energy and 14 in energy efficiency. They are all leading companies with the most innovative in their fields. Crown Prince Frederik said he believed that with experience in sustainable business and renewable energy, these businesses will find common solutions to bring prosperity to both countries in terms of green economy. The two countries have not only close cooperation in trade and investment but also long-standing diplomatic relations and cultural and educational exchange, he said, noting that Denmark will stand side by side with Vietnam and support a strong growing economy in the Southeast Asian country. He affirmed that the visit will further strengthen the strong relationship between the two countries. Frederik said he is pleased and looks forward to participating in events on the 50th founding anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Denmark (November 25, 1971 - 2021), which have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The same day, the Vietnam - Denmark Sustainable Energy Summit and two symposiums on wind and effective energy took place in Hanoi under the theme "Creating a greener future together". Wind power is vital for Vietnam's energy transition and development, helping the country to fulfil its commitments to net zero emissions by 2050 made at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in the UK. With a coastline of more than 3000km, Vietnam's offshore wind power potential is estimated at 160GW. In addition to the huge domestic market, Vietnam has the advantage of developing a supply chain to serve the growing regional wind power market, create jobs and attract green investment projects. According to Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolai Prytz, Denmark is a pioneer in wind energy development in Vietnam and a long-term partner of the country. He noted that Denmark is also home to leading wind power companies with rich experience in developing this industry in the world. The events provided a venue for sharing experience and partnerships between the countries in developing onshore wind and offshore wind power. With specific strategies on carbon neutrality and experience in green transition and energy efficiency, Denmark has many advantages to become a strategic partner of Vietnam in this scheme, the ambassador said. Due to their strong competencies, Danish companies investing in Vietnam are well placed to meet Vietnam's high demand in industries such as clean energy, agriculture, food safety, water, waste management, maritime transport and logistics. Denmark is also one of the biggest European investors in Vietnam. The ongoing official visit to Vietnam by the Crown Prince and Princess is part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which had been delayed one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic./.