Swedish firms eye eco-friendly opportunities

Many Swedish businesses are interested in investing in energy conservation and environmentally friendly projects in Viet Nam, according to Rolf Bergman, Swedish Ambassador to Viet Nam.

Swedish businesses are interested in investing in the key areas of efficient energy conservation; treatment of waste water and solid waste; transport development and sustainable production of wood products; and training and raising public awareness about clean technologies, the ambassador was quoted as saying by the Vietnam Investment Review newspaper.

Well-known Swedish groups such as ABB, Ericsson and Munters are seeking partners to develop projects in the efficient use of energy, transfer of technology for renewable energy sources, and reduction of gas emissions in industrial plants such as cement and oil refineries.

Companies such as Tricorona and Vattenfall Power Consultants are interested in providing consultancy on technical development, management and the environment.

Bergman said a number of other companies, including Elof Hanson, Getinge, ITT Water and Waste Water and Flexus Balasytem AB, wanted to invest in waste water treatment, water supply and drainage, and transport and treatment of waste water and solid waste.

Other areas such as raising the public’s awareness about environmental protection and encouraging businesses to develop clean technology in Viet Nam were also attractive to Swedish companies who wanted to provide training and consultancy.

Swedish banks said they were willing to provide capital for Vietnamese businesses to foster trade and investment.

Under the Sweden-Viet Nam Agreement for Co-operation Development signed on October 7, the Swedish government will provide US$36 million as aid to help Viet Nam implement programmes to battle corruption, promote environmental protection and adapt to climate change.

The ambassador said the Swedish Embassy in Viet Nam had installed solar panels that provide energy to boil water and energy-efficient electrical devices.

In a move to limit carbon emissions, the embassy staff is encouraged to use bicycles and public transport, and not to use embassy cars for tourism.

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