Vietnam's accelerating shift towards a green economy took center stage at the 4th Vietnam Connect Forum on 10 April in the northern port city of Hai Phong, as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang laid bare the nation's commitment and its ambition to attract foreign support.

Addressing Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, dignitaries, and industry leaders at the international event, coorganised by Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam Economic Times and the city of Hai Phong, Ms. Hang emphasized that a green and sustainable economy is "an affirmation of the commitment and determination of all of us here.”

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha's presence at the forum signaled the high-level support for Vietnam's green agenda. The Vice Minister's message couldn't be timelier, with the world witnessing sweeping geopolitical and environmental shifts.

Vietnam at a Crossroads

Vice Minister Hang highlighted three crucial trends currently reshaping global economies.

Firstly, the urgency of climate action is becoming undeniable, as climate change and natural disasters fuel a worldwide push for sustainable development models.

Secondly, the green transformation and the digital revolution are converging, with new technologies both accelerating the transition to a greener economy and increasing the demand for cleaner energy sources.

Finally, there's a strong international focus on sustainability, evidenced by multilateral forums prioritizing green growth, and major economies launching initiatives to drive decarbonization.

The Vice Minister acknowledged that as a developing nation, Vietnam faces challenges in its green transition. However, she stressed that the country is determined to seize this moment as an opportunity for groundbreaking development. The forum, hosted in Haiphong, was designed to foster this goal.

Practical Action and Foreign Partnerships

"The urgent issue now is to turn commitments into action," Ms. Hang declared, calling for the translation of ideas into tangible results. She envisions a Vietnam deeply integrated into the global green economy, but this ambition depends crucially on international support.

Many cities and provinces in Vietnam have shown support toward green and sustainable growth, in line with the central government's guidelines. By showcasing their plans and policies, these localities hope to attract foreign investment in sustainable finance, emission-reduction technologies, and workforce training.

Vice Minister Hang underscored the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with other government agencies, will work hand-in-hand with local governments and businesses to forge international partnerships and mobilize resources.