(Construction) – On 1st April, the Flanders Investment and Trade Promotion Agency (FIT) of the Kingdom of Belgium hosted a Vietnam-Belgium cooperation workshop on sustainable solutions, titled Creating Tomorrow: A Vision for Flexible and Sustainable Cities.

The Minister of Flanders, Cieltje Van Achter, spoke at the workshop.

In her opening remarks, the Minister of Flanders (Kingdom of Belgium), Cieltje Van Achter, noted that Flanders has a very high population density and is home to many rapidly developing urban areas, making urbanisation a matter of great concern. Both Flanders in particular and Belgium as a whole are facing similar challenges to Vietnam in terms of urban development. Nevertheless, Belgium’s public and private sectors have accumulated extensive experience in the field of sustainable construction.

“Sustainable urban development is everyone’s responsibility, as we all need a home to live in, a city to work in, and a place to relax. I hope that today’s workshop will provide an opportunity for us to share perspectives and best practices from both Flanders and Vietnam, so that we may realise this vision together” added Minister Cieltje Van Achter.

Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Tuong Van spoke at the workshop.

The Ministry of Construction believes that, through this workshop, experts from both countries will engage in in-depth discussions on innovative solutions and flexible, environmentally friendly urban development, aligned with Vietnam’s sustainable development goals” Deputy Minister Nguyen Tuong Van stated.

In the context of Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to streamline its administrative and political systems—laying the foundation for national development in a new era—Deputy Minister Nguyen Tuong Van proposed a number of fundamental solutions for sustainable urban development.

During the group discussion, experts explored two main topics: sustainability in urban design and construction, and the use of sustainable materials.

Some experts attending the workshop.

Speakers also shared updates on advanced technologies in urban planning and management, encouraged the application of technology for natural disaster warning, and promoted the development and management of sustainable urban areas. They highlighted technological solutions suited to Vietnam’s specific conditions and emphasised the importance of knowledge, skills, and technology transfer in urban management and development between Belgium and Vietnam.

On the topic of sustainable construction and materials, experts discussed the need for smarter land use and management in urban development, the role of energy efficiency in buildings as a key factor for sustainable urban growth, the use of green materials in construction, as well as water management and responses to urban flooding.