Technology - the factor that helps Israel "go greener"
Green economy is a development model that many countries in the world are aiming for. Israel and Vietnam are no exception. How do you evaluate this model in the two countries?
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| Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Yaron Mayer in a conversation with TG&VN reporter. (Photo: Linh Chi) |
Today, green growth strategies in both Vietnam and Israel - as well as many countries around the world - have become an important part of government policy. We are pleased to see that Vietnam is leading in some aspects such as technology development, introducing policies to develop a green economy.
At the recent World Economic Forum (WEF 2024), Vietnam publicly put green economic development at the top of its agenda and said that the country is suffering from climate change more than other countries.
Israel has taken initiatives to position itself as a leader in clean technology. We regularly host international conferences and events that bring together leading experts and ensure that people can experience what Israel and other countries around the world are doing.
Israel is now ready to share with other countries a field that is recognized by the world: Water management, irrigation systems and water use.
Technology, in particular, has become a core element of Israel’s “greener” efforts. Take Ormat, an Israeli geothermal energy company, as an example. It is effectively contributing to slowing global warming.
In marine ecology, we are also establishing hubs in various regions. These ecosystems facilitate collaboration between academic institutions; the private sector; government agencies, regional authorities; and promote policy development and implementation. The hub model is very suitable for other countries, including Vietnam.
What are the prospects for green economic cooperation between Vietnam and Israel, sir?
In my opinion, the prospects for cooperation between the two countries are very large. Vietnam and Israel have potential for cooperation in the intergovernmental sector, the private sector and academic exchanges.
In 2023, the two countries signed the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA). This is one of the most advanced free trade agreements, opening up many new cooperation opportunities between the two countries.
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| Meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on economic, scientific and technological cooperation and other fields between Vietnam and Israel. (Source: Embassy of Israel in Vietnam) |
Currently, Israel is cooperating with many other partners, such as the UK, to research and try to find solutions to the problem in the Mekong Delta or the salinity situation in the Mekong River region.
Our country has proven that the right policies can prevent environmental damage, making life better, cleaner, safer and healthier.
Israel focuses on innovation and cooperation between research institutions and universities; encourages students and researchers from both Israel and Vietnam to work together in an “incubator” to find common, mutually beneficial solutions and ideas.
Our country can provide training in areas such as irrigation, renewable energy, green agriculture, climate change solutions and similar areas. In recent times, the Israeli Embassy in Vietnam has tried to facilitate Vietnamese people to participate in these training courses.
VIFTA - the connecting thread
Faced with the increasingly negative impact of environmental pollution on human life, many countries have proactively built and developed a circular economy. Israel is also moving in this direction. Can you share about Israel's circular economic model?
Circular economy is a very important model.
To build and develop a circular economy, first of all , each country needs good ideas, open awareness and long-term planning. Looking from our country, 80% of Israel's agricultural irrigation water is not fresh water but recycled water. To do this, Israel has a long-term plan.
Second, about innovation. We focus a lot on renewable energy, alternative fuels because this is a very relevant field for the whole world.
In Israel, research on renewable energy and solar energy is developing quite strongly. We have Israel's Resource Efficiency Knowledge Center. This is where ideas and information are collected, and then widely disseminated to citizens and businesses.
Israel has established the Ne'ot Hovav Industrial Zone in the south, which specializes in the processing of hazardous waste. Used plastics and industrial waste will be concentrated there; along with the production of gas and fuel; creating a centralized facility that benefits the entire region.
When it comes to innovation, I want to talk about the food industry, specifically the development of cultured meat. Israel is the first country to be recognized in this field by health authorities, other markets. This is just the beginning of a big revolution and it will be very interesting to follow.
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| The Embassy of Israel in Vietnam donated a recirculation filtration system to Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry. (Source: Embassy of Israel in Vietnam) |
How do you assess the development of the circular economy in Vietnam? What lessons can Vietnam learn from Israel? Can Israel and Vietnam cooperate on the circular economy issue, sir?
I am happy to say that circular economy in Vietnam is not just an idea but has been implemented, introduced in many fields and recognized by leaders and organizations.
In 2020, the Circular Economy Knowledge Hub: Promoting Multidisciplinary Research, Capacity Building and Leadership was officially launched in Vietnam. The Embassy of Israel in Vietnam will join the Circular Economy Knowledge Hub and promote ideas and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
When I travel and visit the localities, I realize that Vietnam has a lot of potential for development in the agricultural sector. Israel has many activities in Vietnam in this field and can bring new technologies or new types of grains to Vietnamese farmers.
In Ne'ot Hovav, agricultural companies have taken advantage of an industrial park and related industries to develop solutions for plant protection. This proves that we can create opportunities and start from the farmer level to develop the agricultural sector.
When I go to areas like Gia Lai and Dak Lak, I see that there are many opportunities to develop circular economy because farmers are very talented, young and motivated. We can work with these people and can share ideas directly with farmers or businesses. And VIFTA can be seen as a connecting thread to help the two countries in this field.
What are your and your family's plans for Lunar New Year this year?
This year, my family and I will celebrate Lunar New Year in Vietnam and visit the Central region. This is my second Tet in Vietnam. However, the Giap Thin Lunar New Year is more meaningful and complete as I have spent a whole year working and living in this country.
Looking back over the past year, Vietnam and Israel have achieved proud results such as signing an FTA after 7 years of negotiations, having fruitful visits, and reaping many "sweet fruits" of bilateral cooperation.
On the occasion of the New Year, I would like to send my best wishes to readers of The World and Vietnam Newspaper and wish Vietnam a happy, prosperous and productive Year of the Dragon.
The Embassy of Israel hopes to continue to maintain the good friendship and develop cooperative relations between the two countries in many fields, including people-to-people exchange, economy, education, culture and innovation.
Thank you Ambassador!
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