HCMC – At Vietwater 2025, Vietnam’s largest annual international exhibition on water supply, wastewater treatment, and environmental technology, Dutch companies are taking center stage with pioneering solutions that combine innovation, sustainability, and circular economy principles.
Held from October 22 to 24 at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC), HCMC, Vietwater 2025 features more than 400 exhibitors from 45 countries and territories. Organized by Informa Markets Vietnam, this year’s edition underscores growing regional and international cooperation in addressing water security and waste management challenges across Southeast Asia.
Among the international participants, the Netherlands continues to play a prominent role as a long-standing partner of Vietnam in water management and circular economy development. The Netherlands Pavilion brings 17 leading Dutch companies, showcasing cutting-edge water technologies, water management, and waste management solutions.
Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar said the Netherlands’ participation reflects the country’s long-term commitment to its strategic partnership with Vietnam. “Vietnam and the Netherlands share similar geographical challenges as low-lying delta nations, both facing threats from sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, and flooding. Our cooperation over the past 15 years has evolved from aid into a trusted, strategic partnership delivering practical, sustainable results,” he said.
2025 marks 15 years of the Vietnam–Netherlands Strategic Partnership Arrangement on Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management—a collaboration spanning government agencies, knowledge institutions, and the private sector. Joint efforts have produced tangible outcomes, including the Mekong Delta Integrated Master Plan, nature-based solutions projects, and technology transfer initiatives.
Among the Dutch exhibitors, one notable exhibitor in the Netherlands Pavilion is UPP! Circular Impact. Founded in the Netherlands and now operating in Vietnam and Indonesia, UPP! transforms hard-to-recycle plastic waste—such as multilayer packaging films, agricultural plastics, and landfill-recovered waste—into durable, high-quality construction materials.
Speaking with The Saigon Times, Hai Ngo, Project and Business Development Manager of UPP! Circular Impact, explained that the company’s products can replace conventional materials like wood or virgin plastics in applications ranging from floating platforms, boardwalks, and canal embankments to indoor and outdoor furniture. “Our materials are designed to last up to 50 years and remain cost-competitive, offering a sustainable solution that closes the loop in plastic waste management,” Ngo said.
Through initiatives like these, Dutch firms are not only showcasing technology but also reinforcing a shared vision for a resilient and circular future. As van Baar said, “With businesses leading the charge for change, the Dutch delegation at Vietwater/WETV Expo 2025 stands ready to work hand in hand with Vietnamese partners, delivering tailor-made solutions to tackle both global and local—”glocal”—water and waste challenges.”
In addition, Vietwater 2025 will be held alongside three specialized exhibitions: WETV Waste Expo, Flood Control & Disaster Management Vietnam, offering a comprehensive perspective on the water and environmental sectors.
According to the organizers, the three-day event features exhibitions and seminars centered on sustainable water and waste management. The event will gather domestic and international experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to exchange knowledge and explore innovations in water supply, drainage, wastewater treatment, flood prevention, and solutions to salinity intrusion and water scarcity.
