Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Ståle Torstein Risa

Norway’s ambassador says Vietnam has taken the necessary first steps toward successful long-term development.

What have been the main areas Norway has focused on to achieve its high human development ranking?

Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam StÃ¥le Torstein Risa: Let me just say that as Norway emerged from the dark years of the Second World War, Norwegian people joined hands in solidarity, and worked very hard to form a modern and just society. I think it very important to stress solidarity… based on democracy, the rule of law, and wealth creation which Norway enacted largely through private enterprise.

But the government took a stake in crucial areas where it was needed. I would also say that our solidarity in redistribution, through government policies which were targeted at particular areas for groups that were left disadvantaged, helped eradicate poverty.

European countries like Norway are known for their generous social safety nets. To what extent have government social welfare programs contributed to Norway’s high human development index?

Our social wealth has been crucial to our modern welfare state. I would point to key components of that welfare development. Our government focuses on education and proper healthcare. Secondly, the government creates jobs and employment opportunity in all parts of the country. This endeavor tapped into the resources of the full population. The third is decent social aid policy for those that are in need, so they can keep up at the highest level. This policy usually helps elderly citizens as one becomes older and one needs more medical attention.

Also, more and more since the late 70’s, protecting the environment, protecting the economy, spreading the wealth, education reform, and proper social welfare are the areas which are important for the welfare of a country.

Some may argue that given the differences between the two countries [for example: Norway has a small population while Vietnam has a big one; Norway does not have as many ethnic minorities has Vietnam does; Norway has had decades of stability, Vietnam has had decades of war], Vietnam cannot apply specific lessons from Norway.

Do you think these are good arguments? Why or why not?

I would say there are many similarities also. The same size country approximately, with a history at sea, and we both have to be cognizant of our large neighbor in our immediate proximity. Both countries, Norway and Vietnam, are nations with an abundance of natural resources. Despite many differences, we can learn from one another. We are both every engaged. Be it ideologically, politically, a history of human rights, engaged with development assistance projects, and our Norwegian businesses have many financial relations. Let us concentrate on the similarities and our growing people to people contact. Differences will always be there, but this is a community that is becoming smaller and smaller every day. Let us stress our similarities and where we can learn from one another.

I think without a doubt Vietnam can learn from the mistakes we made, learn from us how to avoid those mistakes. I’m sure we have things to learn from the Vietnamese people also. It’s not a one way street, it’s a two way street.

What lessons can Vietnam learn from Norway specifically?

I would have to say education and healthcare are our key components. The population in Vietnam would benefit from these areas. Also sustainable growth, Vietnam has a large population with more than a million people joining the work force, and employment opportunity issue will also be crucial.

Since your arrival, what first struck you about human development in Vietnam?

You have very robust growth in this country. I sense activity as I travel around the nation. I see a very young and industrious population that does not sit idly. People seem to be moving, and working to employ themselves. I think this points in the right direction.

What is Vietnam doing right in terms of human development?

I’m not sure, it might be too early to give an assessment after only 5 weeks. I would have to say that there are many things the Vietnamese are doing right. I think that …foreign investment, the understanding of education and health care. I know that also they are keenly aware of the high pollution levels and meeting these challenges in the Red River and other areas. The government is aware of the many challenges in the years to come. Ask me in an about a year and I can give you more details.

What Vietnam should do to boost human development now and for the future?

Again, too early for me to say. It is clear that Vietnam has strong growth due to the growth of government policies, obviously since the late 80’s these have been geared toward foreign investment and partaking the global communities economic activity. …This was the beginning of a long road toward development. Vietnam is progressing very clearly as a middle income developing nation … The years ahead will be crucial, but good policies have been put in place.

Reported by An Dien