Sweden, Vietnam collaborate on intelligent traffic solutions

Thứ Năm, 06/10/2016, 08:05

A hundred years ago, Sweden was among the poorest nations in Europe. It’s a small country, home to just 0.13% of the global population, said Do Thang Hai, deputy minister of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT).

Yet today, Sweden is one of the richest nations and a world leader in innovation in the fields of medicine, bioscience, technology, and climate, he said, speaking at a meeting on October 5 in Hanoi with Ann Lind, the Swedish Minister of EU Affairs and Trade.

Swedish innovation has been responsible for such things as the development of the pacemaker that has saved the lives of millions of heart patients. It is also Swedish innovation that developed Skype, allowing internet users to make free calls.

As well, it’s Swedish innovation that allows millions around the globe to listen to online music with Spotify, he said.

In addition, Sweden is a leader in innovative intelligent traffic solutions and now, he said, has agreed to cooperate with the Vietnam government in solving the Southeast Asian nations public transport conundrum.

In turn, Ms Lind noted that urbanization in Vietnam is placing growing pressure and challenges on city infrastructures. Public transport has to be balanced against economic and environmental demands as well as ensure an attractive urban environment.

Growing urbanization has created a sense of urgency in Vietnam to implement an intelligent traffic solution, she noted, expressing her optimism about Sweden’s chances of helping to solve the many traffic challenges in Vietnam’s metropolitan areas.

VOV