Businesses face many barriers to green transformation
On July 8, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in coordination with units organized the Forum "World Energy and Environment - Vietnam 2026" with the theme "Vietnam concretizes the road to Net Zero". The Forum was honored to have the participation and direction of Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang - Chairman of the National Council for Sustainable Development.
Speaking at the opening of the Forum, Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), said that the Government has set a high economic growth target in the coming period, striving to maintain a double-digit growth rate in the following years.
According to Mr. Vinh, if the Government is the institutional builder, then businesses are the pioneering force in turning sustainable development goals into specific actions. From large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises, the Vietnamese business community is increasingly proactive in applying green production models, circular economy, energy saving, ESG management and carbon emission reduction.
However, we also need to frankly recognize that many businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, are still facing major challenges in terms of capital, technology, human resources, emission data and ESG management capacity. Therefore, the green transformation process cannot be a single effort of businesses. It must be the companionship of the State, businesses, financial institutions, localities, international partners and the whole society," Mr. Vinh said.
Building green finance and carbon markets is an important pillar
Speaking to direct at the Forum, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang said that the Government is focusing on building and perfecting new mechanisms and policies, continuing to take environmental protection, green transformation and energy transformation as the core foundation for development. To implement the energy transition goal - the focus of the Net Zero roadmap, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang emphasized 4 major orientations.
First, implement energy transition according to a suitable roadmap, ensuring efficiency and sustainability. The Government will continue to improve mechanisms and policies to develop a synchronous energy system, diversify supply sources, promote renewable energy and use energy economically and efficiently; invest in energy transmission and storage infrastructure, develop a competitive electricity market and encourage the private sector to strongly participate.
In this process, Vietnam will not abruptly eliminate traditional energy sources but use them more efficiently, apply new technologies to control emissions and gradually reduce the proportion according to an appropriate roadmap. The transition process must simultaneously ensure sufficient energy for growth, implement emission reduction commitments and ensure fair transition for workers, businesses and localities.
Second, firmly adhere to the principle of not trading the environment for economic growth. The Government will synchronously implement environmental protection solutions, effectively treat polluting sources, restore ecosystems, promote circular economy and green transformation in production and consumption to form a low-emission economy.
Third, building green finance and the carbon market becomes an important pillar. The Government identifies green finance as an important tool to mobilize domestic and international resources.
Fourth, promote the key role of the business community and localities. Businesses need to proactively build emission reduction roadmaps, include ESG criteria in long-term development strategies and invest in clean technology. For localities, especially those with potential for renewable energy development, it is necessary to proactively plan, improve the investment environment, and cut administrative procedures to create favorable conditions for green projects. The Government will always accompany, support and remove difficulties for localities and businesses.
Accepting the direction of Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang, Mr. Ho Sy Hung - Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) emphasized that VCCI is committed to focusing on implementing a number of key contents.
First, continue to promote policy dialogue between the Government, ministries, and sectors with the business community.
Second, VCCI will closely coordinate with ministries, branches, localities, associations and international organizations to develop programs to support businesses in green transformation according to each industry and each locality.
Third, VCCI will coordinate with ministries and sectors to promote training, consulting and capacity building for businesses on ESG management, greenhouse gas emission inventory, sustainable development information disclosure, efficient energy use, circular economic development, carbon market participation and access to green financial instruments.
Fourth, VCCI will promote the formation of a network of pioneering businesses in green transformation, build typical models to spread successful experiences, and connect innovative initiatives to promote the spirit of cooperation in the business community.
Fifth, VCCI hopes to have a mechanism to regularly monitor the implementation of green transformation programs.
