HCMC seeks green growth support from Belgian firms: vice mayor

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s biggest economic hub, is looking for green growth support from Belgian firms, HCMC Vice Chairman Vo Van Hoan told Belgian Ambassador Karl Van Den Bosche at a Thursday meeting.

HCMC is focusing on smart urban development and green growth while Belgian businesses have strengths in these areas, especially hydrogen production from water hydrolysis, healthcare, high technology, and education, Hoan said.

He proposed the two sides cooperate to build the first center within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP) for research and development and technology transfer.

The municipality has asked the SHTP to facilitate activities of Belgian firms, he added. Hoan also introduced the Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park as a suitable location for Belgian investors.

In reply, the ambassador affirmed Belgium would assess the conditions in HCMC to transfer renewable energy technologies to jointly build a smart and green city.

On the same day, HCMC authorities and the Belgian embassy co-hosted a conference on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), also a commemoration of 50 years of Vietnam’s partnership with Belgium and Luxembourg.

At the event, HCMC's leaders affirmed their commitment to facilitating stable, long-term, and efficient operations of European firms in the country.

Registered FDI in Vietnam reached $28.85 billion in the year through November 20, up 14.8% year-on-year, while disbursed capital hit $20.25 billion, up 2.9% and a record high in five years, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment. The leading FDI recipients in the 11-month period were the northern province of Quang Ninh with $3.11 billion, up 42.3% year-on-year, and HCMC with $3.08 billion, down 12.9%.

With $1.92 million in the period, Belgium ranked 51st among 110 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, according to the ministry's data.