International experts advise Ho Chi Minh City on green growth

In the program “CEO 100 Tea Connect” within the framework of the Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum (HEF) 2023, foreign experts shared many practical experiences with the city government.

Foreign experts and managers design plans for green growth in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: Dai Viet)

Mr. Ricardo Valente, City Councilor for Economy and Finance of Porto City (Portugal) said that if Ho Chi Minh City wants green growth, it should create more jobs for people and actively support businesses to develop sustainably. There should be fiscal policies and tax exemptions for businesses aiming for a green economy.

For example, if a company builds an environmentally friendly headquarters or factory, it should reduce taxes for the company, even for 5 years. This will encourage businesses to participate in the green economy and sustainable development.

For startups, the city needs to come up with “problems” on energy, water treatment, waste treatment, etc. so that young businesses can join hands to “solve the problems”. The city also needs to organize seminars and discussions with universities and businesses to find ways to reduce emissions and use environmentally friendly materials.

The Ho Chi Minh City government should also be the biggest “consumer” of businesses. The government must participate in green consumption and support green products of businesses. When the government takes the lead and motivates businesses, the people will follow.

Ricardo Valente, City Councilor for Economy and Finance of Porto City (Portugal) shared at the program. (Photo: Dai Viet)

In addition, Mr. Ricardo Valente said that Ho Chi Minh City should focus on investing in education and developing soft skills for its people. The city should organize exchanges with more developed educational systems in the world. Because education is the foundation and core of development. A city with a developed education system will lead to development in all aspects of society.

“ In our city of Porto, primary school students are taught about green growth. Children learn and explore green growth thoroughly. They are always conscious of protecting the environment and using environmentally friendly products,” said Mr. Ricardo Valente.

According to Mr. Ricardo Valente, Vietnam is an agricultural country, which is favorable for Ho Chi Minh City to develop green spaces in buildings and in the heart of the city.

Mr. Ichisaka Hirofumi, Senior Executive Director of International Relations of Osaka City (Japan) said that Osaka is a locality with a long history of environmental protection. However, to successfully protect the environment in parallel with economic development, this city has experienced many "ups and downs".

Mr. Ichisaka Hirofumi shared that from 1950 to 1970, Japan had very strong economic growth but also caused environmental pollution. In 1973, the Osaka government began implementing the first business management models in Japan. In which, this city clearly defined environmental standards and transformed to a green economy.

“ Thanks to strong, pioneering changes, we have maintained stable growth, maximally protected the environment and achieved many successes. Ho Chi Minh City can learn from Osaka’s approach and we are willing to share ,” said Mr. Ichisaka Hirofumi.

According to Mr. Gabor Fluit, Chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce (Eurocham), this unit is ready to transfer technology and support Ho Chi Minh City to become an export center of Europe. Eurocham is also ready to support Ho Chi Minh City to achieve its goals of green economic development and sustainable development.

Mr. Gabor Fluit shared that Ho Chi Minh City needs to have more policies to promote green economic development. Typically, policies to reduce taxes for green products or finance businesses investing in green production.

On behalf of the city leaders, Mr. Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, thanked the valuable contributions of managers and experts. The city will research and propose promulgation of standards based on the contributions of international experts.

Ho Chi Minh City will also study new policies to accompany the green transition and green development. Policy research will take place from now until the end of 2023. It is expected that by early 2024, new policies to support green growth will be issued.

DAI VIET

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