The program was jointly organized by the Ministry of Finance of Vietnam, the Embassy of Vietnam in Finland and Estonia, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia.

The forum was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Margus Tsahkna, leaders of ministries, branches, and representatives of associations and business communities of the two countries, especially leading enterprises of Vietnam.

For the EVN side at the meeting, EVN’s Vice President Nguyen Xuan Nam attended and made a speech at the forum.

Cooperation between Vietnamese and Estonian enterprises is guaranteed by the two governments

The Vietnam – Estonia Business Forum is an important event for the two sides to discuss solutions to promote economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Estonia, demonstrating the determination of the two countries’ governments and business communities.

At the Forum, delegates were introduced to the potential and environment of investment and business of Vietnam and Estonia; the investment and business capabilities and plans of enterprises of the two countries; and exchanged and connected to cooperate in investment and business.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasizing that cooperation between Vietnamese and Estonian enterprises is guaranteed by two governments - Photo: VGP

The Prime Minister called on Vietnamese and Estonian businesses to connect with one another, connect the two economies, cooperate in effective investment and business, bring benefits to the two countries and people, and contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

In particular, EVN is ready to cooperate with Estonian businesses in digital transformation, smart grid, and green energy

EVN’s Vice President Nguyen Xuan Nam making speech - Photo: VGP

Speaking at the forum, Vice President Nguyen Xuan Nam presented information on the development of Vietnam's electricity and cooperation with Estonia.

Currently, the total installed capacity of Vietnam's power system is approximately 84,000MW, of which EVN and power corporations account for 36% of the total system capacity and 41% of electricity output; renewable energy sources (wind power, solar power) account for about 28%. EVN owns the transmission and distribution grid system, selling electricity to customers with nearly 29 million customers.

The Vietnam Electricity Development Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 and the implementation plan for Power Development Plant VIII were approved by the Prime Minister with the aim of building a sustainable and eco-friendly Vietnam electricity system, aiming for zero net emissions by 2050 according to Vietnam's commitment at COP 26. With a forecast load growth rate of more than 10%, the installed capacity of Vietnam's electricity system is expected to reach more than 200GW by 2030 with a huge investment demand to meet the double-digit growth target of the Vietnamese economy, opening up many cooperation opportunities in the coming time between EVN and potential Estonian partners.

In the field of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, in 2023, EVN had a working trip to Estonia, specifically at the Estonian Electricity Company (Eesti Energia), the Estonian Digital Transformation Center (E-Estonia Briefing Center) and HEPTA Company, to learn and study advanced applications of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) in grid operation and maintenance. Thereby, EVN realized that Estonia is a pioneering and leading country in many fields such as energy transition, smart grid, innovation, digital transformation, and cybersecurity.

Previously, since 2021, EVN has promoted the digital transformation program in the fields of internal management, business, and customer service, construction investment, production, and up to now, EVN has completed the goal of becoming a "Digital Enterprise" by 2025. EVN is the first "Digital Enterprise" and the leading enterprise in digital transformation among 19 Groups and Corporations under the Commission for the Management of State Capital at Enterprises, now under the Ministry of Finance.

Up to now, most of EVN's activities are processed in the digital environment with many digital solutions and digital technologies such as AI, BigData, BI, IoT, and automation, and electronic signatures are comprehensively applied. Comprehensive digital transformation helps management, production, and business operations to be timely, fast, accurate, and transparent. Comprehensive transformation, as well as thorough application of digital solutions and new digital technologies, has helped EVN save costs estimated at over VND 3,000 billion/year, 100% of electricity services are provided in the digital environment, so people can access services anytime, anywhere, the rate of non-cash payments reaches 97.19%.

After completing the goal of becoming a digital enterprise, EVN is promoting the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation to turn EVN into a "smart EVN" by 2030, spreading the culture of innovation to every employee. This is the goal towards EVN being an energy technology enterprise in accordance with the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo.

EVN’s Vice President emphasized: EVN welcomes and is ready to cooperate and share experiences with Estonian businesses, organizations, and agencies in the future, especially in the fields of green energy, smart grid, science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation, as well as power system security.

Translator: Mạnh Hùng