Colorado's Potential Vietnam Connections
May 6, 2019
A recent visit to Colorado by Vietnam’s ambassador to the U.S. opened numerous economic and cultural opportunities between the two potential partners. Colorado is the first state Ambassador Ha Kim Ngoc’s has visited since assuming the role as U.S. ambassador and his visit set the groundwork for potential collaboration with Colorado energy- and arts-based entities.
Ambassador Ngoc emphasized Vietnam’s interest in upgrading, extending and de-carbonizing Vietnam’s energy sector. His country is keenly interested in hardening its energy infrastructure and adding renewable generation. While there is presently approximately 800 megawatts of wind and 300 megawatts of solar capacity on the Vietnamese electric utility system, an additional 6000 megawatts of wind and 12,000 megawatts of solar is sought by 2030. In order for this dramatic development to occur, Vietnam is looking for partners in the development of these resources.
On the cultural side, a roundtable discussion was held with Ambassador Ngoc and his team and Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) Board Chair Mark Davidson and Executive Director Christin Crampton Day, among others. Those in attendance discussed the mutually beneficial opportunity for cultural exchange and the development of charitable giving of time, talent and treasure in the advancement of artistic endeavors and cultural development in Vietnam. At present, there is very limited private development of cultural events within the country and Colorado participants in the session recognized the opportunity for a cross-cultural connection to advance the CBCA model of personal and corporate giving to the arts.