International experts offer suggestions for green growth in Ho Chi Minh City.

During the "CEO 100 Tea Connect" program, part of the Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum (HEF) 2023, foreign experts shared many practical experiences with the city government.

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

Ricardo Valente, City Councillor for Economic and Financial Affairs of Porto (Portugal), stated that if Ho Chi Minh City wants green growth, it must create more jobs for its citizens and actively support businesses in developing sustainably. Fiscal policies and tax exemptions for businesses aiming for a green economy are necessary.

He gave an example: if a business builds its headquarters or factory with an environmentally friendly design, it should receive tax reductions, even for five years. This would encourage businesses to participate in the green economy and develop sustainably.

For startups, the city needs to present "problems" related to energy, water treatment, waste management, etc., so that young businesses can work together to solve them. The city also needs to organize workshops and seminars 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 from businesses. When the government takes the lead and creates momentum for businesses, the people will follow.

Ricardo Valente, City Councillor for Economic and Financial Affairs of Porto (Portugal), shared his thoughts at the event. (Photo: Dai Viet)

Furthermore, Ricardo Valente suggested that Ho Chi Minh City should focus on investing in education and developing soft skills for its citizens. The city should organize exchanges with more developed education systems around the world. 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. The children learn and explore green growth thoroughly. They are always conscious of protecting the environment and using eco-friendly products,” said Ricardo Valente.

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

Mr. Ichisaka Hirofumi, Senior Executive Director of International Relations of Osaka City (Japan), said that Osaka has a long history of environmental protection. However, to successfully protect the environment alongside economic development, the city has gone through many "ups and downs".

Mr. Ichisaka Hirofumi shared that from 1950 to 1970, Japan experienced strong economic growth, but this also led to significant environmental pollution. In 1973, the Osaka government began implementing the first business management models in Japan. These models clearly defined environmental standards and transitioned to a green economy.

“ Thanks to our bold and pioneering changes, we have maintained stable growth, maximized environmental protection, and achieved many accomplishments. Ho Chi Minh City can learn from Osaka's approach, and we are ready to share it, ” said Mr. Ichisaka Hirofumi.

According to Gabor Fluit, President of the European Chamber of Commerce (Eurocham), the organization is ready to transfer technology and support Ho Chi Minh City in becoming a European export hub. Eurocham is also ready to support Ho Chi Minh City in achieving its goals for green economic development and sustainable development.

Mr. Gabor Fluit shared that Ho Chi Minh City needs more policies to promote the development of the green economy. Typical examples include tax reductions for green products or subsidies for businesses investing in green production.

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

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

DAI VIET

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