On 28 January 2026, the Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP) and the Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (HUCE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), opening new horizons for cooperation in sustainable water management, education, research, and joint professional initiatives.
The agreement represents a significant milestone in the strengthening of Hungarian–Vietnamese relations in the water and environmental sectors and reflects the shared ambition of both parties to translate academic excellence and technological expertise into practical, future-oriented solutions.
Strong diplomatic and institutional backing
The importance of the partnership was further underscored by the high-level diplomatic and professional support accompanying the signing. The Hungarian delegation was led by Baloghdi Tibor, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary to Vietnam, whose active role continues to contribute to deepening bilateral relations between the two countries. The cooperation was also supported by Balogh Bálint, Trade and Economic Attaché, who plays a key role in advancing Hungarian water industry and economic cooperation in Vietnam.
From the Hungarian Water Partnership, the strategic and professional framework of the agreement was represented by Robert Forintos, Co-Chairman of HWP, while Tímea Kricskovics, Coordinator of HWP’s Vietnam projects, supported the coordination of Vietnamese partnerships and initiatives, helping to shape the cooperation into a concrete, long-term collaboration.
Hanoi University of Civil Engineering was represented by its senior leadership, including Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Giang, Vice Rector; Prof. Dr. Trần Thị Việt Nga, Director of the Vietnam–Japan Institute for Advanced Technologies and former Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering; Dr. Phạm Tuấn Hùng, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering; along with leaders of faculties and institutes of the University—highlighting HUCE’s strong institutional commitment to international cooperation.
Focus on knowledge exchange and sustainable solutions
The MOU aims to promote knowledge sharing, joint research and education activities, and the development of innovative, sustainable water management solutions. Key areas of cooperation include water resources management, environmental engineering, sustainable infrastructure, and applied technologies supporting climate resilience and urban development.
Through this partnership, HWP seeks to strengthen professional bridges between Hungarian water technology providers and Vietnam’s academic and research ecosystem, enabling pilot projects, thematic workshops, short-term training programs, and applied research initiatives that deliver tangible results.
Part of a broader Hungarian Water Partnership mission to Vietnam
The signing of the agreement with HUCE took place within the framework of a broader official mission to Vietnam by the Hungarian Water Partnership. The mission was led by Robert Forintos, Managing Director of the Tradeland Kft and Co-Chairman of HWP, together with Tímea Kricskovics, Coordinator of Tradeland’s Vietnam projects.
During the ten-day visit, the delegation held meetings with governmental, educational, and business partners to further define strategic cooperation opportunities and prepare the Hungarian Water Partnership’s participation in Vietnam Water Week 2026, to be held in Hanoi.
The agreement with HUCE also builds on the cooperation formalized earlier during the mission, including the signing of an MOU with Saigon Technology University on 26 January 2026, demonstrating a coordinated and strategic approach to academic and technology partnerships in Vietnam.
Building lasting professional bridges
This latest agreement is further evidence of the increasingly strong professional bridges being built between Hungary and Vietnam—bridges that are expected to generate tangible outcomes in both education and water sector development in the years ahead.
The Hungarian Water Partnership, on behalf of its member companies and partner organizations, expresses its sincere appreciation to Robert Forintos and Tímea Kricskovics for their dedicated work and for the successful and productive execution of the Vietnam mission.
