Localities around Vietnam are striving to stay abreast of global investment, production, and business trends in greener growth, a conference in northern Vinh Phuc province on June 9 to discuss measures to boost economic growth in connection with environmental protection heard.

There are two emerging trends globally: adapting better to new risks, especially climate change, and conducting greener business, Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), told the gathering.

Deputy Chairman of the Vinh Phuc Provincial People’s Committee Vu Chi Giang said environmental protection is important in the province’s development process for a strong and sustainable economy, and it resolutely says no to investment projects that harm the environment.

Ms. Vu Thi Kim Chi, Deputy Head of the Investment Promotion Board in northern Quang Ninh province, said the province has issued a plan to implement the national strategy on green growth and each year earmarks no less than 3 per cent of the provincial budget for environmental protection.

Authorities in northern Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces also shared their experience and plans in promoting economic development while protecting the environment.

VCCI also released the Provincial Green Index at the conference, which evaluates and ranks environmental quality in Vietnam’s 63 cities and provinces from the perspective of enterprises, the application of environmentally-friendly technology in enterprises, the environmental behavior of enterprises, and the level of willingness among localities to invest in the environment.

The index seeks to enable cities and provinces to pay greater attention to economic development associated with environmental protection, provide timely information to support provincial administration in policy planning, promote the construction of an eco-friendly business ecosystem, and contribute to attracting investors with environmental awareness and quality “green” projects.