On September 17, the Government Office issued a notice of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha’s conclusion, directing the handling of air pollution and river pollution in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This includes the National Action Plan on Pollution Remediation and Air Quality Management for the period 2025–2030, with a vision towards 2045.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Selected for Breakthrough Solutions
To further enhance environmental protection and pollution control, especially regarding air and water quality, the Deputy Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) to take the lead. They are to collaborate with relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to urgently finalize and submit to the Prime Minister a comprehensive pollution control plan. This plan should address all pollution elements holistically.
Initially, the focus will be on air pollution control, incorporating 34 specific local plans. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have been chosen as pilot areas to develop breakthrough solutions, which will then be scaled nationwide.
Additionally, MONRE is tasked with researching and proposing policies on circular economy solutions for agricultural by-products. This includes applying biotechnology or biomass power generation through recycling.
Policies to encourage the collection, transportation, and reuse of waste are also to be proposed, with support for citizens. Any policies within the government’s jurisdiction should be completed and reported to the Prime Minister by October 15.
MONRE, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Justice, will review and propose amendments to administrative penalty regulations for environmental violations. The aim is to increase penalties, with a report due to the Prime Minister by December 31.
Tightening Control Over Old Vehicles
The Ministry of Industry and Trade is tasked with leading the development of national technical standards for electric vehicle charging stations, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Construction. This is to be completed by October 15.
The Ministry of Construction will review and issue regulations and standards for urban planning to integrate green transportation infrastructure. This includes electric charging stations and necessary infrastructure for battery swapping stations, to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The People’s Committees of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City should promptly announce a roadmap for transitioning to green transportation, along with feasible support policies. |
The Ministry of Construction, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Public Security, will also develop national technical safety standards for apartment buildings with electric vehicle charging stations. This is to be completed by October 15.
The Ministry of Construction will work with the People’s Committees of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to develop and submit to the Government a roadmap for a synchronized and modern public transportation system. They will propose breakthrough mechanisms and policies to attract private investment and support citizens in using public and green transportation, with a report due in October.
The Ministry of Construction must also lead the review and proposal of amendments to regulations on emission inspections for road motor vehicles. The aim is to tighten control over old vehicles that do not meet environmental standards.
Support Policies for Transitioning to Green Transportation
The notice emphasizes that the People’s Committees of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City should promptly and publicly announce a roadmap for transitioning to green transportation. This should be accompanied by specific and feasible support policies to gain the consensus and participation of citizens and businesses.
Both cities are also required to review and replan industrial zones, industrial clusters, and craft villages. They should develop roadmaps and mechanisms to relocate polluting establishments away from urban and residential areas.
Local environmental standards and regulations should be researched and issued, with stricter levels than national standards to protect public health.
Economic tools should be studied and applied in place of administrative orders to manage and control the transition of vehicles using fossil fuels that do not meet environmental standards. Solutions should also be implemented to tightly control emissions, dust, and noise from construction activities.
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Strict Penalties for Improper Waste Burning The Deputy Prime Minister has also instructed the Ministry of Public Security to direct police forces at all levels to intensify inspections and strictly penalize improper burning of domestic waste, agricultural by-products, and construction materials. Particular attention should be given to intentional environmental pollution causing serious consequences by organizations, businesses, and individuals in waste collection and treatment services, with criminal liability where necessary. |
MINH TRÚC
– 20:54 17/09/2025
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