Realising the urgent need to promote a shift toward more sustainable industrial development pathways, Vietnam’s government has paid special attention to the promotion of green industry, and sustainable consumption and production (SCP). The country has consistently implemented policies connected to Sustainable Development, including the National Strategy for Sustainable Development in 2011-2020, the National Strategy on Green Growth in 2012-2020 and Vision to 2050, and the Strategy on Cleaner Industrial Production until 2020. However, Vietnam’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Sustainable Production and Consumption until 2020 and Vision 2030 are the most comprehensive and direct documents intended to guide the country’s path towards sustainable consumption and production.
On 20 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. Over 65 participants from ministries, academic institutions, UN organisations, and SWITCH-Asia Grants projects attended the meeting and provided inputs on the first Draft of the National Action Plan.
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Lam Giang, Director General of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Industry and Trade, opened the consultation expressing gratitude for the support provided by the SWITCH-Asia SCP Facility. The six objectives under the current National Action Plan were then reviewed and discussed.
As part of the cooperation on sustainable development, the EU has already funded nine projects in Vietnam under the SWITCH-Asia Programme to promote the transition towards SCP patterns. These projects have been active in areas such as sustainable use of forest resources, corporate social responsibility (CSR), energy efficiency, sustainable aquaculture, and awareness raising for sustainable lifestyles.
Mr. Koen Duchateau, Head of Cooperation Department of the EU Delegation (EUD) to Vietnam reinforced the importance of promoting a shift toward a more sustainable green industry and switching to sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns. “Green economy policy generates growth and reduces poverty, which is a pathway towards inclusive and sustainable economic growth. In this process, government needs to create enabling conditions and provide economic incentives to different actors to pursue a low-carbon path”, affirmed Duchateau. This process will require cooperation from all stakeholders, including consumers, communities and civil society.
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.
