Vietnam is actively transitioning to renewable energy , pledging to increase the share of renewable energy sources in its total primary energy supply from the current level of more than 10%, to 20% by 2030 and 30% by 2045. The transition in the energy sector requires not only large capital investments in infrastructure, but also technical and technological expertise - an area where cooperation between Vietnam and Canada can play an important role.
A solar power plant in Ninh Thuan province. (Photo: Ngoc Ha/VNA)
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans -Pacific Partnership ( CPTPP ), of which Vietnam and Canada are founding members, not only promotes trade but also facilitates closer cooperation in other areas, including energy. At the international workshop with the theme “Strengthening international cooperation and sharing experiences on equitable energy transition”, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet emphasized that the energy transition process needs to be equitable. Accordingly, each country , including Vietnam, needs to pay full attention to the interests of all people and leave no one behind; countries that have emitted large amounts of greenhouse gases in the past need to fulfill their historical responsibilities and support developing countries in terms of finance, technology and capacity building; energy transition in developing countries needs to have a suitable roadmap and take into account the conditions and circumstances of each country. The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of Vietnam strengthening international cooperation and sharing experiences for equitable energy transition efforts.
The energy transition must be fair and equitable in developing countries to sustainably transition to a low-carbon economy and set on a climate-resilient trajectory, while also delivering on their Sustainable Development Goals. The energy transition must be fair and inclusive for workers, local communities and those affected by it, through the creation of economic opportunities, new jobs, reskilling, capacity building and strengthening of social safety nets.
At the reception for Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Steil at the end of May, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to and highly values the friendly cooperative relationship with Canada and appreciates Canada's positive actions within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) of the Group of Seven (G7) and international partners in which Vietnam also participates; believes that the two countries need to promote typical cooperation models in energy transition. The Deputy Prime Minister believes that through multilateral forums and cooperation mechanisms, Vietnam and Canada will continue to expand bilateral cooperation in many fields; hopes that Canada will continue to share lessons learned and support Vietnam in green, sustainable development and net zero implementation. 
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to and highly values the friendly and cooperative relationship with Canada. Photo: VGP
For his part, Mr. Steil affirmed that Vietnam is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and is also "a big piece in the sustainable future of the Indo-Pacific". He affirmed that Canada has long supported Vietnam's sustainable development and will continue to help Vietnam reduce its dependence on coal and switch to more sustainable forms of energy. Ambassador Steil said that Canada is strengthening international cooperation and support programs with Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia, partly to ensure a stronger response to climate change. He added that the country is ready to share its experience in sustainable mining and processing of rare earth mines in Vietnam, to ensure that this activity does not harm the environment. Vietnam needs foreign technology and investment to meet its ambitious goals. Canada is becoming one of the partners in this process . Mr. Shawn Steil said that Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy offers many opportunities and tools to enhance cooperation, and Vietnam is one of the few countries where Ottawa can use all the tools under the new strategy. Canada also wants to support economic development and growth by promoting rule-of-law trade and maintaining sustainable supply chains, including food and energy.
Canada's commitments to the region, especially to Vietnam, are long-term, sustainable and strong./.
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