Finnish Minister and Experience in Achieving Net Zero Emissions

From October 21-23, Finnish Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio led a high-level delegation to pay an official visit to Vietnam to share the country's experience in sustainable development and achieving the goal of net zero emissions.

Minister of Foreign Trade and Development of Finland Ville Tavio

Minister Ville Tavio’s visit focused on Vietnam’s economic hub, Ho Chi Minh City, including his participation in the Green Economy Forum and Exhibition 2024 (GEFE 2024), a biennial event focused on green transition and sustainable economic models.

At GEFE 2024, Minister Tavio introduced Finland's secrets of success, as well as the potential that the country can contribute in key areas of the Vietnamese economy.

Some of the areas of focus include sustainable construction and manufacturing, renewable energy, circular economy and digital transformation.

Speaking to Thanh Nien , Minister Tavio said that Finland aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, one of the most ambitious climate goals in the world.

"However, Finland even has a city that has achieved this target faster than the above threshold. That is Lahti (about 1 hour by train north of Helsinki - NV)," said the minister.

Finland's secret to achieving its climate goals, he says, is to keep companies competitive while doing it in a way that is better for everyone.

Finnish Pavilion at Green Economy Expo 2024

"As we implement environmentally friendly policies, urban areas are expanding, and so is the need for clean air and a clean environment. This is extremely important for both Finland and Vietnam, a country with a rich natural environment and pursuing sustainable development goals," the minister emphasized.

Finland is ready to share and enhance cooperation in three key areas, including electric power, waste management and water management. Minister Tavio said that Finland and Vietnam are discussing promising projects in these areas.

“The impressive growth of Ho Chi Minh City is truly remarkable and I appreciate the city’s efforts in promoting the development process to achieve such achievements,” said Minister Tavio. He affirmed Finland’s commitment to supporting the city’s transformation into a smart, sustainable, connected hub in the region, while strengthening trade relations in areas where Finland has strengths.

Minister Tavio and the business delegation also visited important projects in the city including Saigon Port and Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park. The Minister also had lunch with students at the Vietnam-Finland International School (VFIS), where he is also the “Finland School Meal Ambassador”.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bo-truong-phan-lan-va-kinh-nghiem-dat-muc-tieu-phat-thai-rong-bang-0-185241024143358197.htm