SWITCH-Asia

Bangkok, 11 November 2019 – With ca. EUR 280 million already invested towards promoting sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in Asia and Central Asia through the SWITCH-Asia Programme, and over 120 projects implemented in the region over a period of 12 years, the European Union (EU) is renewing its commitment to support countries in their efforts moving towards an inclusive green economy and switching to more sustainable consumption and production patterns. On 21st and 22nd November 2019, the Regional Networking Event organised by the EU SWITCH-Asia SCP Facility will take place in Hanoi, Vietnam at Pullman Hanoi Hotel. The Event will bring together representatives from ongoing grant-funded projects in several countries in the region, as well as representatives of the EU Delegations in Asia and Central Asia, SWITCH-Asia National Focal Points within ministries of the 24 eligible countries, and selected regional organisations, partners and experts working in the field of SCP. 

Through its grants scheme the programme funds pilot projects helping companies to adopt cleaner technologies and more sustainable industrial practices as well as helping consumers to act more responsibly in their daily choices and lifestyles. Since 2007, this EU programme has funded projects across a wide range of sectors (energy efficiency in industrial plants and houses, agri-food and fishing sectors, textiles and leather, tourism, logistics and freight) implemented by over 400 Asian and European partners, about 100 private sector associates, indirectly benefitting up to 70.000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). By supporting the sharing of knowledge and developing local capacity for responsible business practices, SWITCH-Asia is a means for local companies to more easily access the supply chains of multinational companies which seek to establish green and fair conducts within their value-chains. The replication and scaling-up effect of projectresults together with access to finance and public-private investments for green products, services and technologies will be key elements within the programme in the next years in order to have a greater impact in the region. The evidence provided by projects is meant to feed into policy and regulatory discussions with national governments in their transition towards a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy through the improvement of national strategies and action plans with regard to sustainable production and consumption practices.

Specific sessions of this event will cover key thematic areas such as low carbon economy and sustainable housing, circular economy and lessons from the fashion industry, eco-innovation and design, wastes and plastics, and access to finance and investments. This timely event will take place in Vietnam, where in September 2019, SWITCH-Asia SCP Facility, in coordination with the EU Delegation to Vietnam and in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), organised the  Consultation on National Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production (2021-2030) in Hanoi. Multiple stakeholders provided inputs on the first Draft of the National Action Plan.The final National Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production (2021-2030) will be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval by the end of this year. This gathering will also offer various opportunities for the media to connect with a large spectrum of stakeholders, policy makers as well as project implementers, and get interesting information for stories on ways and means for promoting SCP on the transition to green economy and sustainable development.

More information about the event, including the Agenda, is available in the Brochure.