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 on an official visit to Vietnam to share his country's experience in sustainable development and achieving net-zero emissions.

Finnish Minister of Foreign Trade and Development 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). This biennial event focuses on green transition and sustainable economic models.

At GEFE 2024, Minister Tavio presented Finland's secrets to success, as well as the potential contributions that the country can make to key sectors of the Vietnamese economy.

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

Speaking to Thanh Nien newspaper , 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 achieved this goal faster than the threshold. That is Lahti (about an hour by train north of Helsinki)," the minister said.

According to him, Finland's secret to achieving its climate goals is to maintain the competitiveness of its companies while doing so in a way that is better for everyone.

Finland's booth at the Green Economy Exhibition 2024

"While we are implementing environmentally friendly policies, urban areas are expanding, and therefore there is an increasing 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: electricity, waste management, and water management. Minister Tavio stated that Finland and Vietnam are discussing promising projects in these fields.

"Ho Chi Minh City's impressive growth is truly remarkable, and I highly appreciate the city's efforts in promoting this development and achieving such success," Minister Tavio said. He affirmed Finland's commitment to supporting the city's transformation into a smart, sustainable regional hub, while also strengthening trade relations in areas where Finland has strengths.

Minister Tavio and the business delegation also visited key projects in the city, including Saigon Port and the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park. The Minister also joined students for lunch at the Vietnam-Finland International School (VFIS), where he serves as the "Finnish School Meal Ambassador".

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