(Construction) - On December 4, Deputy Minister of Construction Phạm Minh Hà met with South African Ambassador to Vietnam Vuyiswa Tulelo to discuss potential cooperation between the two countries in housing construction, green buildings, and urban development.

Ambassador Vuyiswa Tulelo commended Vietnam\'s recent achievements in providing housing for its citizens, promoting green building initiatives, and advancing energy-efficient, environmentally friendly construction practices. During this visit, the South African delegation expressed interest in exploring opportunities for collaboration with Vietnam in green building development, aiming to foster sustainable progress.

Vietnam is ready to collaborate with South Africa on housing and green building development

In response to Ambassador Vuyiswa Tulelo, Deputy Minister Phạm Minh Hà emphasized that developing green buildings and energy-efficient projects is a key national initiative to achieve environmental sustainability. He noted that Vietnam is actively participating in international conventions and agreements on environmental protection, with a government commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To meet this ambitious goal, the Ministry of Construction has been tasked with implementing solutions for green building development and energy-efficient projects.

Concluding the meeting, Deputy Minister Phạm Minh Hà expressed hope for enhanced cooperation between Vietnam and South Africa in the near future. He highlighted the importance of sharing experiences in managing and developing green buildings, construction planning, and urban development for green growth and energy efficiency. He suggested that both countries prioritize collaboration in areas such as formulating legal frameworks, developing standards, and establishing norms for green buildings and energy-efficient projects.

On this occasion, Ambassador Vuyiswa Tulelo outlined the functions and responsibilities of South Africa’s Ministry of Housing, particularly in providing housing for low-income groups and those facing difficult circumstances. She also emphasized the integration of energy-saving measures and environmental protection criteria into housing initiatives.

Amid the severe global impacts of climate change, South African Ambassador Vuyiswa Tulelo expressed a strong interest in learning from Vietnam’s experiences in housing construction, agricultural development, and managing urbanization. She emphasized the importance of Vietnam’s expertise in addressing these challenges effectively.

Looking ahead, a delegation of South African experts is scheduled to visit Vietnam to engage in detailed discussions with the Ministry of Construction on the topics outlined during the meeting. Deputy Minister Phạm Minh Hà designated the Department of International Cooperation (under the Ministry of Construction) as the primary liaison for coordinating with the South African side, paving the way for concrete collaborative activities.