Europe helps Vietnam’s transition with green economy forum

The Green Economy Forum (GEF) will be held November 2 in Hanoi as part of joint efforts by Europe and Vietnam to support the latter’s green transition.

Newly-appointed Ambassador of the European Union to Vietnam Julien Guerrier said at a press conference Thursday that the forum showcases the strength of cooperation between the two sides.

The forum will be hosted in collaboration with Team Europe partners including the European Union Delegation to Vietnam, the EuroCham Green Growth Sector Committee, all nine EuroCham Vietnam-affiliated European business associations and an array of European countries.

Building on the success of the Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) 2022, the GEF will feature insightful sustainability dialogues, a high-level plenary session, and comprehensive conference sessions, uniting industry leaders, policymakers and sustainability advocates from Europe and Vietnam.

It serves as a platform to advocate and promote sustainable practices, policies, and initiatives aimed at fostering Vietnam’s sustainable development. The GEF 2023 topics include renewable energy, green finance, decarbonization, and sustainable agriculture.

Referring to Vietnam’s sustainability goals for 2050, Christoph Prommersberger, deputy head of mission at the Netherlands embassy in Vietnam, said Europe’s experiences in this regard highlighted the challenges of translating commitments into actionable results.

He pointed to the pivotal role that the business community plays in the green transition, especially when navigating new green EU regulations like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. With these considerations, the GEF is positioned to offer Vietnam and its businesses the necessary resources to meet and adapt to evolving global standards, he said.

Dominik Meichle, EuroCham vice chairman, noted that with Team Europe and EuroCham's combined efforts, a mutual vision has emerged about progressing together towards a more sustainable future, fostering synergies between European and Vietnamese entities.