The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh, alongside representatives from state management agencies, research institutes, water resources and construction experts, as well as leaders and officials from provincial and municipal Departments of Agriculture and Environment nationwide.

The workshop took place as urban flooding in Vietnam grows increasingly severe due to climate change impacts and rapid urbanization. This reality poses a critical challenge for Vietnam to strengthen its policy frameworks, planning systems, and inter-sectoral coordination mechanisms. The forum provided an opportunity for Vietnamese and Japanese participants to share experience and discuss solutions to enhance flood management and river basin governance.

In his address at the workshop, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh emphasized that urban flood management must be placed within a comprehensive framework of water resources management, urban planning, and disaster risk governance. This approach aligns with new demands for natural disaster prevention and climate change response. He called for a fundamental shift in approach, moving from a sole focus on drainage to managing risks right from the planning, investment, and spatial organization stages. Key priorities include preserving and restoring spaces for water, protecting flood discharge corridors, expanding retention basins, water storage areas, and green infrastructure.

At the event, JICA experts presented Japan's experience in urban flood management and integrated river basin management. Aoyama Yoshihiko, Chief Advisor of the Technical Cooperation Project on enhancing legal frameworks for drainage and urban wastewater management, introduced the Neya River Basin management model in Osaka. His presentation highlighted synchronized flood management measures implemented across river systems, drainage networks, pumping stations, and water retention facilities.

Meanwhile, Moriyasu Kunihiro, Disaster Risk Management Advisor at the Department of Dike Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, shared Japan's experience in formulating comprehensive flood management policies. He underscored the importance of integrated planning, a unified legal system, and effective inter-sectoral coordination.

Delegates also discussed existing challenges in Vietnam's flood management and proposed practical solutions to improve urban drainage systems, enhance water storage capacity, and refine inter-agency coordination mechanisms. Particular attention was paid to integrated river basin-based management combining water resources, urban development, and drainage planning.

The workshop provided an opportunity for relevant partners to engage in policy dialogue, exchange orientations, and propose future solutions to enhance the effectiveness of urban and river basin flood management in Vietnam.

In the coming time, JICA pledged to continue its close coordination with the Vietnamese Government and relevant partners to bolster climate resilience, mitigate disaster risks, and promote sustainable socio-economic development nationwide.

JICA provides over VND9 billion to help Can Tho improve drainage system

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will provide non-refundable aid worth more than VND9.1 billion (about US$384,600) to help Mekong Delta city of Can Tho strengthen its capacity in drainage management and climate change adaptation.