Introduction

To promote cooperation in water resource management and eco-urban development, the Kwater delegation, led by Vice President Kim Byungki, visited Vietnam on March 19 and 20, 2025. During this business trip, the delegation held important meetings with the leadership of the National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation (NAWAPI), the leadership of Thanh Hoa Province, and Hoang Hoa District. The discussions focused on key projects, such as the development of a water resource management support model for the Ca River Basin and investment in the Song Cung Eco-Urban Area. These strategic projects promise significant socio-economic benefits for Vietnam, enhancing Nawapi’s capacity for river basin management and creating investment opportunities for Kwater.

Discussion Content and Agreements

Meeting with NAWAPI, Morning of March 19, 2025

During the meeting with NAWAPI on the morning of March 19, 2025, NAWAPI’s General Director and the leadership of affiliated units engaged in open and constructive discussions with the delegation. Both sides reached important agreements to advance the Ca River water resource management project. Specific implementation steps include establishing a joint technical team, creating an exchange forum, and finalizing the project outline for submission to the relevant authorities of both countries by September 2025. At the meeting, the leadership identified priority investment models. Based on these agreements, both sides directed their respective units to:

+ Expedite the completion of the project outline for timely approval.

+ Strengthen technical exchanges, organize workshops, and conduct training programs.

+ Study the scope and content to develop a report for Kwater’s leadership and the South Korean Government to allocate investment resources for project implementation.

+ Review Vietnam’s regulatory framework on investment support policies in the appraisal and approval process.

+ The Northern Water Resources Planning and Investigation Federation (NVWATER) will proactively coordinate with Kwater-affiliated units to enhance implementation capacity in water resource investigation, assessment, and monitoring to develop a digital water resource database.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to cooperation between both sides, opening opportunities for advancing the Ca River Water Resource Management Project. If implemented effectively, the project will contribute positively to water resource protection, ensure sustainable development, and meet the region’s clean water demands. Both sides will continue discussions to push forward the next steps, ensuring the project’s successful execution.

Meeting at Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee, Afternoon of March 19, 2025

In the afternoon, at the headquarters of the Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee, the Kwater delegation, Nawapi, and the Vietnam Water and Environment Association met with the leadership of Thanh Hoa Province. The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman Mai Van Liem and representatives from the Departments of Finance, Construction, Agriculture, Environment, and Hoang Hoa District. The Thanh Hoa leadership warmly welcomed and engaged in productive discussions with the delegation.

During the meeting, Vice Chairman Mai Van Liem provided an overview of Thanh Hoa Province, emphasizing its long history and outstanding development potential, making it one of Vietnam’s top revenue-generating provinces.

As part of the meeting, the Vice Chairman introduced the Song Cung Eco-Urban Project and assigned provincial departments and Hoang Hoa District to maintain close communication with the delegation and Kwater to define the scope of cooperation. He affirmed that within its authority and regulations, the provincial government would fully support this collaboration.

Vice President of Kwater expressed deep gratitude for Thanh Hoa Province’s warm reception. He introduced Kwater’s development history and core strengths, expressing hope for strong provincial support to implement effective investment cooperation.

During the meeting, Dr. Ahn Yong Min from Kwater’s Research Institute presented investment cooperation directions, highlighting Kwater’s expertise in water management technology, eco-city development, and sustainable economic development along riverbanks.

Building on the decade-long cooperation between Nawapi and Kwater, Mr. Nguyen Chi Nghia, Head of NVWATER, provided insights into Kwater’s development history, key strengths, and investment potential. He outlined key aspects to leverage for mutual understanding and to develop a suitable investment roadmap.

Representatives from Nawapi and the Vietnam Water and Environment Association also spoke about investment cooperation opportunities, confirming their commitment to working closely with Kwater and Thanh Hoa Province to bring the partnership to fruition.

At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed on cooperation principles and committed to further discussions to determine appropriate investment models. The Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee pledged maximum support for Kwater during subsequent implementation stages.

Field Visit to Song Cung River Area and Investment Promotion Meeting with Hoang Hoa District Leaders, Morning of March 20, 2025

On the morning of March 20, 2025, the Kwater delegation and stakeholders continued their visit by meeting with Hoang Hoa District leaders and conducting a field survey at the Song Cung River area to explore investment and development potential.

At the meeting, Mr. Le Thanh Hai, Chairman of Hoang Hoa District, provided an overview of the Song Cung River development project. Representatives from the Thanh Hoa Provincial Planning Institute presented a draft development plan with three main zones: (a) industrial development, (b) central urban development, and (c) eco-city development.

Vice President of Kwater expressed appreciation and requested detailed information sharing so Kwater could participate from the planning phase, ensuring clear investment scope, timeframe, and content.

Mr. Nguyen Chi Nghia from NVWATER emphasized the need to clarify planning scale, scope, and essential information for coordinated execution under provincial and district leadership.

Additionally, Mr. Tong Ngoc Thanh, General Director of Nawapi, and Mr. Chu Pham Ngoc Hien, representing the Vietnam Water and Environment Association, summarized key prospects, working progress, and next steps for cooperation.

Concluding the discussions, Mr. Le Xuan Thu, Secretary of the Hoang Hoa District Party Committee, expressed gratitude to the delegation and assigned district departments to collaborate closely with Kwater to implement agreed-upon initiatives. He hoped Kwater would leverage its expertise and capacity to support the district from the planning stage, laying a strong foundation for long-term and effective cooperation.

Results:

After two days of productive discussions, the Kwater delegation, Nawapi, the Vietnam Water and Environment Association, and Thanh Hoa Province agreed on cooperation principles for each project and committed to further discussions to determine appropriate investment models. The Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee pledged maximum support for Kwater during subsequent implementation stages.

The visit and working meetings of the Kwater Vice Presidential delegation in Vietnam achieved significant results, laying a strong foundation for future cooperation in water resource management and eco-urban development. The discussions not only aligned project implementation roadmaps but also demonstrated strong commitments from NAWAPI, Thanh Hoa Province, Hoang Hoa District, and Vietnamese partners. If implemented as planned, these projects will significantly contribute to water resource protection, sustainable urban development, and local economic growth. Moving forward, all parties will continue close coordination to materialize the agreed-upon initiatives, aiming for successful and long-term collaboration.

Written by NVWATER Communications