Enhancing Vietnam-EU 'green' cooperation

DNVN - The governments and businesses of Vietnam and the European Union (EU) have paid special attention to sustainable development, combating climate change, and new standards regarding supply chains, raw materials, labor, and the environment. This has significantly contributed to the sustainable development of businesses in both Vietnam and the EU.

At the plenary session of the "Green Economy Forum (GEFE) 2024" held on the morning of October 21st in Ho Chi Minh City, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang affirmed that, in recent times, the Vietnamese and EU business communities have actively cooperated in the process of realizing the goals of green growth and sustainable development.

The Deputy Minister emphasized: "This is an important foundation and driving force, helping to promote the recovery and development of a green and sustainable economy , in line with global trends. Both Vietnam and the EU have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as agreed at the COP26 conference."

In the first nine months of 2024, Vietnam's total import and export turnover reached US$578.47 billion, an increase of 16.3% compared to the same period last year. Exports increased by 15.4%, and imports increased by 17.3%, resulting in a trade surplus of US$20.79 billion. Notably, exports to the EU market reached US$38.1 billion, an increase of 17% compared to the same period last year.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, Vice President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas, and representatives of European businesses visited the booth of a Vietnamese enterprise.

Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang affirmed that this growth reflects the increasingly developing and effective cooperation potential between Vietnam and the EU. The governments and businesses of both sides have paid special attention to issues such as consumer safety, sustainable development, combating climate change, and new standards regarding supply chains, raw materials, labor, and the environment. The trend towards circular economy, green economy, and digital economy is becoming increasingly evident, making a significant contribution to the sustainable development of Vietnamese and EU businesses.

GEFE 2024 is an important forum for both sides to learn and share about new mechanisms and policies related to energy, sustainable finance, decarbonization, circular economy, food, agriculture, new technologies, and water safety. This is an opportunity for Vietnamese and EU businesses to better understand regulations and standards aimed at achieving green and sustainable development in the future.

Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang called on the business community to continue expanding cooperation in investment, trade, and technology transfer towards green growth and greenhouse gas emission reduction, while committing to working together for a safe, prosperous, and sustainable future.

Bruno Jaspaert, President of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), observed that GEFE 2024 demonstrates the determination of both Vietnam and the EU to promote sustainable development.

Sharing the same perspective, European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas stated that the EU not only considers Vietnam an important trading partner but also a key element in its comprehensive cooperation strategy with ASEAN, particularly in the field of green growth.

Mr. Margaritis Schinas affirmed: “Vietnam is a prime example of strategic cooperation,” and green growth is central to this partnership. Events like GEFE 2024 play a crucial role in turning shared goals into reality.

"The time for a green transition is challenging, but it is precisely in times like these that we can create significant change for future generations," said the Vice President of the European Commission.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized Vietnam's commitment to balancing economic growth and environmental protection, acknowledging the growing cooperation with the EU in building a sustainable green economy. Through platforms like GEFE, both sides are strengthening cooperation and opening up new opportunities for green investments.

The GEFE 2024 Forum, with over 150 speakers and 30 workshop sessions, provides an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss pressing issues such as the Power Development Plan VIII, carbon markets, green finance, and the circular economy. Information from the forum will help businesses and policymakers access new trends, laying the groundwork for Vietnam's green transformation.

Nguyet Minh

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/kinh-te/tang-cuong-hop-tac-xanh-viet-nam-eu-/20241021034834604