Viet Nam Circular Economy Hub officially launched (Photo: VnEconomy)
On June 28th, 2022, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organized the “Inception Conference to Develop National Action Plan for Implementing Circular Economy in Viet Nam”. The conference acted as a platform for active participation among government leaders, representatives of development partners, Ambassadors, representatives of enterprises, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), universities, research institutes and leading experts on circular economy (CE).
The objective of the conference was to identify suitable CE models to implement in Viet Nam through the exchange of successful circular economy models between national and international partners. The conference provided an essential and unique opportunity for all parties to exchange ideas, prioritize mechanisms and policies to promote CE models and strengthen cooperation and mobilization of resources, especially from the private sector. This is done to develop and implement CE models in Viet Nam, which is critical to achieving the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Beyond the plenary session, the conference included thematic sessions focusing on the following issues: (i) Promoting cooperation in CE through the establishment of a network of partners, and knowledge sharing; (ii) Financing and green technologies; (iii) Circular economy in practice and (iv) Promoting CE approach to reduce adverse effects of plastic pollution to health. At the conference, nearly 20 exhibition booths were displayed to demonstrate CE concepts, approaches, and successful models.
At the COP26, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced bold commitments to tackle climate change, emphasizing Viet Nam will develop and implement strong emissions reduction measures to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The PM further explained that this will be achieved through a combination of its own resources, along with the cooperation and support from the international community, especially developed countries, both in terms of finance and technology transfer, including implementing mechanisms under the Paris Agreement.
The conference receives the attendance of more than 300 delegates in-person and hundreds of audiences online. (Photo: VnEconomy)
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha stated, “Article 142 of the Law on Environmental Protection, adopted by the National Assembly on November 17, 2020, clearly states that Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People’s Committees shall incorporate circular economy immediately at the stage of formulating a development strategy, planning, plan, program, and project; managing, reusing and recycling waste; every production, business and service establishments shall establish a management system and take measures to reduce extraction of natural resources, reduce waste and increase waste recycling and reuse from setting up a project and designing a product or goods to production and distribution.”
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha (Photo: VnEconomy)
Ms. Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam stated, “Circular Economy is an economic opportunity for Viet Nam and investing in governance systems, developing strong institutions and policies, fostering sustainable business and bypassing pollutive industries will help Viet Nam rebound to the green economy of the future. We believe that by joining our collective efforts, openly sharing data and knowledge, will help to shift mindsets, and frame and adopt a narrative around a Circular Economy that is tailored to the needs, the history, and the ambitions of the people of Viet Nam. We are therefore delighted to launch today the Viet Nam Circular Economy Hub, together with MONRE and our development partners.”
UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam, Ms. Caitlin Wiesen (Photo: Viet Nam News Agency)
Ms. Caitlin Wiesen added, “The Viet Nam Circular Economy Hub aims to raise awareness and build the capacity of all stakeholders, including public authorities, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and academia, in adopting CE principles, creating synergies, and integrating financial and technical resources to support the transition towards a low-carbon and circular Viet Nam. The CE Hub houses the latest need-to-know science and insights from leading actors and communities in the fields of circular economy CE policy, research, investment and education. There are already more than 185 articles published on the website in Vietnamese, and more than 25 members have joined our network. We truly welcome your insights, contribution, and participation as the CE Hub as it continues to evolve and develop.”
UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Caitlin Wiesen; Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha, Ms. Elsbeth Akkerman, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Vietnam, and Mr. Nguyen Le Thang Long, Deputy CEO of An Phat Holdings together visit the showcasing booth of Viet Nam Circular Economy Hub
Mr. Roongrote Rangsiyopash, President and CEO of SCG shared, “The circular economy requires close cooperation between companies, customers, supply chains, and stakeholders involved in the value chain. The joint efforts and cooperation between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Thailand Supply Chain Network today is a great example. Thai businesses are cooperating with public-private organizations in Viet Nam to implement many projects in this field. Our goal is to join hands with partners to develop toward sustainability in the future. Furthermore, I believe this will be important in moving towards greater sustainability and net-zero carbon emissions in the future.”
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha and Mr. Roongrote Rangsiyopash, President and CEO of SCG (Photo: VTV News)
