The information was stated by Mr. Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee at the Green Economy Forum and Exhibition (GEFE) 2024 organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) in Ho Chi Minh City with the theme of creating a green future, on the morning of October 21.
Mr. Phan Van Mai said that Ho Chi Minh City is a locality that contributes up to 16% of GDP, attracts the largest FDI investment in Vietnam, but is facing serious problems of climate change.
Ho Chi Minh City is also a high-emission area, challenging the goal of sustainable and inclusive development. Therefore, the city is strongly restructuring its economy, transforming industry towards green growth and sustainable development.
According to Mr. Mai, Ho Chi Minh City is the pioneer in implementing the Prime Minister's commitment at COP26. In the immediate future, the city will implement the goal of reducing emissions by 10% by 2030. To implement this commitment, last September, Ho Chi Minh City issued a green growth action plan until 2030, with 14 specific task groups, very close to the topics that GEFE 2024 focuses on discussing.
Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai shared with delegates at GEFE 2024 which opened on October 21. (Photo: H. L)
Currently, Ho Chi Minh City is actively seeking international cooperation and public-private partnership to improve plans and awareness of green growth and sustainable development as well as build policies to support businesses in the construction, manufacturing, and trade sectors.
In addition, the city is also looking for green capital sources to build sustainable green infrastructure, especially energy infrastructure, water supply, climate change action, emission control, waste, etc.
Therefore, GEFE 2024 will help the city gain more information, experience and connect resources to promote green growth and sustainable development.
“I believe that we all share a common perception: the road ahead must be a balanced path between prosperity and conservation; between growth and sustainability. Ho Chi Minh City is committed to taking strong action towards sustainable growth on the way forward,” affirmed the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.
Mr. Alain Cany - Co-Chair of GEFE Organizing Committee and Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam Advisory Board, said that GEFE 2024 promotes innovation, economic growth, and sustainability. The European Union (EU) has always identified Vietnam as an important market for investment and also a key import market for many important products. The business communities of both sides are actively cooperating to achieve common sustainable development goals.
Meanwhile, Vice President of the European Commission, Mr. Margaritis Schinas, used the Vietnamese idiom “necessity is the mother of invention” to affirm that Vietnamese people always create creativity in adversity. Climate change, with its direct impacts affecting many families and localities in Vietnam such as the recent Typhoon Yagi, makes it impossible for us to delay the green transition despite many challenges.
Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son and representatives of other countries signed the Commitment Wall to share messages towards a green future. (Photo: GEFE 2024)
He also affirmed that the EU is strongly committed to supporting Vietnam's green transition. This is also the first economic region committed to being carbon neutral by 2050.
“We will help bring quality investment, transport, quality infrastructure… so that Vietnam can soon achieve the Net zero target by 2050,” said the Vice President of the European Commission.
He added that there will be more support and sharing activities next year, when the President of the European Commission visits Vietnam in April 2025.
One of the highlights of GEFE is its ability to create an effective network of connections between more than 1,500 CEOs and strategic planners. The event helps businesses find partners and opportunities to collaborate on green innovation projects, while promoting cooperation between the public and private sectors.
GEFE 2024 brings together global leaders, entrepreneurs, and policy makers committed to creating a green future. Approximately 8,000 people attend the three-day event, which includes high-level discussions, a green technology exhibition, and activities connecting Vietnamese and European businesses.
This is not only a dialogue forum but also a platform connecting policy, business and technology. The event brings together more than 200 booths, including 13 international booths, introducing the most modern and advanced green technologies and initiatives from European countries such as Germany, France, Italy ... and Vietnam.
European businesses are interested in and looking for green business opportunities in Vietnam. (Photo: HL)
GEFE 2024 takes place in the context of strong trade relations between Vietnam and the EU thanks to the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). This agreement has made the EU one of Vietnam’s leading trade partners, facilitating the promotion of green investments. With the Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) under negotiation, the two sides have great potential to attract more sustainable development projects.
The event also attracted the participation of 2,000 students from more than 10 universities, with many activities such as career talkshows, Education and Career Fairs, encouraging the young generation to participate in the journey of sustainable development.
50 Dutch companies seek green business opportunities with Vietnamese enterprises
At the largest national pavilion at GEFE 2024, more than 50 Dutch companies in the fields of agriculture, water, energy, logistics and waste management expressed their desire to cooperate and seek green business partners in Vietnam.
The Embassy and Consulate General of the Netherlands also organized a series of seminars on digital technology solutions for sustainable logistics and green connectivity, water technology, agricultural cultivation on saline soil, natural solutions, sustainable energy development solutions... In which, the two most interested topics were "Carbon-reducing production" and "Funding for green transition".
Also here, the Netherlands Development Bank (FMO) and the Electricity Finance Joint Stock Company (EVN Finance) signed a 5-year term loan agreement worth 30 million USD. This loan is to support the increase of the lending portfolio to small and medium enterprises and green development projects.
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/ong-phan-van-mai-tp-hcm-la-noi-phat-thai-cao-thach-thuc-phat-trien-ben-vung-ar903004.html
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