It also officially launched the book ‘Let there be water’ by American author Seth M. Siegel published in Vietnam by Alphabooks.

At the seminar, Shmuel Asher Azenkot from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel shared his country’s experience in solving their water scarcity crisis and several experiences in water saving.

Leading Vietnamese experts on hydrology and water resources also highlighted the challenges of water resource management faced by the country, as well as exploring Israel’s practical experiences in water management and how to apply these experiences in Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador of Israel to Vietnam Meirav Eilon Shahar said that Israel has faced extreme water scarcity since its establishment in 1948. Located in natural arid areas with not much rain or water resources, Israel has experienced the stress on water supply caused by drought, rapid population growth and improved living standards. The country has resolved the water problems thanks to water management solutions and particular innovative technologies, the diplomat said.

As a one of countries most affected by climate change, Israel’s experiences and lessons-learned in water resource management detailed in the book and discussed in the seminar could help Vietnam in addressing water issues, she added.

The book ‘Let there be water’ was a national best seller in the US, and Vietnamese is the first foreign language it has been translated into. Built on meticulous research and hundreds of interviews, including with world leaders, American author Seth M. Siegel explores the crisis through the lens of a solution, telling the story of how the people of Israel came together to overcome their water problems and support other countries in dealing with water issues.

Siegel said that as the relationship between Vietnam and Israel grows and deepens, one special area of the relationship is how Vietnam can learn from Israel's long history of advanced water management. Making 'every drop count' is a long standing Israeli practice. For an ever-drier world, Israel's experience in water is a model for how we can all thrive despite water challenges.

The 500-page book is published by Alphabooks at a price of VND149,000 (US$6.7).​