Vietnam - Korea strategic cooperation on digital transformation of water sector

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh welcomed the Hanoi Initiative as an urgent action to build smart and resilient water governance.

On the morning of November 5, within the framework of the 23rd Asia Water Council (AWC) Summit and the AWC 2025 Technical Workshop, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh received Mr. Seogdae Yun, Chairman of AWC and General Director of the Korea Water Corporation (K-water).

Bilateral meeting between Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh and Mr. Seogdae Yun, Chairman of AWC and CEO of K-water. Photo: Kieu Chi.

Vietnam - Korea strategic cooperation in the water sector

At the meeting, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh highly appreciated the role of Korea, K-water and AWC in accompanying and supporting Vietnam through the Korea-Mekong Water Resources Management Cooperation Research Center (KMCRC). The Deputy Minister emphasized that the results of cooperation in recent times, especially in the application of smart technology in monitoring, operating, forecasting water resources and sustainable development of the Mekong River basin, have brought about practical results.

According to the Deputy Minister, the process of arrangement and restructuring in Vietnam creates space for regional and urban development, creating the premise for large investment needs in the field of clean water supply and wastewater treatment. Cities with large populations and areas in Vietnam are facing urgent requirements to ensure stable water sources. He said that this is an important time for Vietnam to expand international cooperation in the water sector, especially with capable and experienced partners like K-water.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh. Photo: Kieu Chi.

"We welcome Korean businesses present at today's Conference to join in investing, sharing benefits and overcoming challenges together. Vietnam is facing drought problems, and especially floods that are occurring more and more frequently, so the application of advanced technology is an urgent requirement," Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh emphasized.

The Deputy Minister also welcomed the Hanoi Initiative, which is considered an urgent action towards the goal of enhancing regional cooperation to ensure transboundary water security, flood prevention and climate change response. The technical cooperation program underscores the strong political commitment of Vietnam and the Asian Water Council to build a smart and resilient water governance.

The leaders of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment proposed to coordinate with AWC, K-water and Korean agencies and enterprises to develop projects with priorities: smart water resource management, adaptation to climate change; development of monitoring, forecasting infrastructure and national digital water database; ensuring water security in transboundary river basins; development of safe water supply, water treatment and reuse, especially in areas strongly affected by climate change and rural areas.

The meeting took place in the context of the strong development of the Vietnam-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, especially after General Secretary To Lam's visit to Korea in August 2025. The two sides agreed on many new cooperation orientations in the fields of water, climate and green growth.

Strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Asian Water Council

Sharing the experience of South Korea - a country that has faced severe droughts and floods, Mr. Seogdae Yun, Chairman of AWC, said that investing in satellite technology, artificial intelligence and smart irrigation works has helped the country significantly reduce natural disaster damage, and South Korea is willing to share its experience with Vietnam.

Mr. Seogdae Yun, Chairman of AWC and General Director of Korea Water Corporation (K-water). Photo: Kieu Chi.

AWC Chairman Seogdae Yun expressed his interest in water resources cooperation with Vietnam, and affirmed the core trend of applying science and technology in the water sector to respond to climate change. He expected close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to consolidate and expand cooperation models of Korean enterprises.

The leader of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment affirmed that Vietnam is ready to cooperate extensively with Korea in digital transformation of the water sector, smart water resource management, building a national data system, as well as applying AI and digital technology in managing water supply networks and wastewater treatment.

He also expressed his hope that the Asian Water Council and K-water would continue to support Vietnam in capacity building, especially with specialized units such as the National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation, which will be the core agency in digital management of important river basins.

The two sides believe that, with the spirit of sincere cooperation and common strategic vision, Vietnam and the Republic of Korea will together realize the Hanoi Initiative, turning the commitments of the 23rd AWC Conference into concrete actions for regional water security.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/hop-tac-chien-luoc-viet-nam--han-quoc-ve-chuyen-doi-so-nganh-nuoc-d782384.html