Opening the forum, Dr. Chu Van Lam, Vice President of the Vietnam Economic Science Association, shared that Vietnam’s industrial competitiveness had improved significantly. According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) rankings, Vietnam’s industry had climbed 16 places in a decade, from 58th in 2009 to 42nd in 2019, becoming the fastest-improving country in ASEAN. Vietnam now aims to reach the 5th position within the region and close the gap with the top 4 most competitive ASEAN countries.
Dr. Bui Thanh Minh, Deputy Director of the Office of Research and Development of Private Economy (Office IV), highlighted that Vietnam needs approximately 360 billion USD to achieve its Net Zero goals. The country has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming to increase solar power capacity to 73 GW by 2030 (a fivefold increase) and wind power capacity to 38 GW. Vietnam is also prioritizing modernizing its electricity grid and developing 18 pumped-storage hydropower projects. In the transportation sector, the focus is on electric vehicles and public transport, while in agriculture, Vietnam has committed to reducing methane emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels (as per COP26).
Mr. Nguyen Ba Hung, ADB’s Chief Economist in Vietnam, affirmed that decoupling growth from emissions, as many developed countries have done, is feasible for Vietnam with appropriate, synchronized, and well-planned policies. He also emphasized the need to move away from the traditional low-cost, resource-intensive, and high-emission industrial growth model.
The forum featured businesses like Panasonic, CNCTech, and VietCycle, which shared their experiences with new-generation industrial models that incorporate digitalization, circular economy practices, and energy-saving technologies. These models not only protect the environment but also offer significant economic benefits, as evident from their implementations.
Speakers also cautioned about the existing tension between high growth requirements and the increasingly stringent environmental standards imposed by export markets. Some businesses asserted that Vietnam cannot afford to wait until carbon taxes are imposed or their goods are refused; instead, proactive steps toward transformation must start now, beginning with the industrial sector.
Experts recommended that an effective industrial development strategy should encompass four key elements: (1) positioning green industry as a national development priority, (2) establishing robust green institutions and finance, (3) developing competitive supporting industries, and (4) supporting businesses in innovation, human resource training, and technology transfer.
Forum participants emphasized the importance of new-generation industrial parks that integrate circular infrastructure, advanced technology, and sustainable management. Research indicates that green industrial parks can increase labor productivity by 15-25%, improve the working environment, and attract high-quality human resources. This model is considered a pioneer for Vietnam’s green industrial transformation.

Experts, business representatives, and government officials pose for a group photo with the leadership of the Vietnam Economic Magazine at the 2025 Green Industry Forum.
You may also like

The Unsavable Brown Future of Coal Power: Why CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) Isn’t the Saviour We Need.

The energy transition is accelerating, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is expected to be the savior for coal-fired power, a significant emitter but one that still plays an essential role. However, after over two decades of development, CCS has yet to prove its effectiveness at scale. With high costs, low efficiency, and slow deployment, can CCS remain competitive against renewable energy sources, or is it a case of too little, too late?

The Japanese Corporation, a Pioneer in Essential Industries, Establishes a Foothold in Vietnam

“As a leading innovator in electromagnetic measurement technology, HIOKI, a Japanese firm, has established a subsidiary in Vietnam, thus partnering with the country in its carbon neutrality goals. “

The Ultimate Cash Flow: VRG – Bao Loc pours out a Whopping 390 Billion Dividend, a 150% Payout!

Despite a decline in profits to a four-year low in 2024, VRG – Bao Loc Joint Stock Company has boldly declared a massive 150% cash dividend, totaling over VND 390 billion. This payout is a staggering five times more than their annual profit.

Unleashing a 4,000-Ton Giant: Vietnam’s Venture into the Largest Open-Air “Gold Mine” in Southeast Asia

This achievement presents a golden opportunity for Vietnam to tap into an immense treasure trove of resources.

Mastering the New Productivity, Vietnam Needs Synchronized Solutions

The cornerstone of Vietnam’s economic breakthrough lies in its ability to harness new productive forces and master core technologies. However, the country faces a critical challenge: a shortage of elite workers who possess the skills to drive and innovate new technology.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR