The Green Economy Forum & Exhibition 2024 that features European innovations and sustainable solutions for Việt Nam started in Thủ Đức City this morning at Thiskyhall Sala Convention Centre. — VNS Photo Gia Linh

THỬ ĐỨC CITY — The annual Green Economy Forum and Exhibition (GEFE), themed “Building Green Future”, has begun in Thủ Đức City this morning at the Thiskyhall Sala Convention Centre, featuring European innovations and sustainable solutions for Việt Nam.

The event is designed for key stakeholders from businesses, governments, and non-governmental organisations from Europe and Việt Nam to engage in meaningful discussions and advocate for sustainable practices, policies, and initiatives.

This year, the exhibition is attended by representatives from over 200 companies and organisations across 13 country pavilions, who will present their projects, initiatives, and expertise regarding green growth and sustainable development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, co-chairman of the organising committee Alain Cany said that Việt Nam is a key market for European investment, while Europe serves as a key market for Vietnamese exports.

“Only by working and committing together can we succeed in the transformation that all of us here are striving for,” he stated.

At the Norwegian pavilion, eight leading companies will showcase groundbreaking innovations and sustainable solutions that enable the green transition in different sectors.

Norwegian Ambassador to Việt Nam Hilde Solbakken said, “Norwegian companies have been working closely with Vietnamese partners to uphold the values of sustainability, making active contributions to Việt Nam’s economic growth and transition to a greener future.”

The Norway pavilion showcases groundbreaking innovations and sustainable solutions that enable the green transition in different sectors. — VNS Photo Gia Linh

She told Việt Nam News that Việt Nam is facing the same issues as basically all countries in managing the green transition and in having a more circular and sustainable economy.

“In those areas, Norway has a lot of solutions, especially when it comes to ocean-based solutions,” she said.

She said the key for companies to get the investment flowing is certainty and a level of predictability for their investment.

“That certainty and predictability come with regulations, so we are looking forward to seeing the regulations come into place,” she said.

Yngve Schrøder Tufteland, international sales manager of UMOE Advanced Composites, said Viet Nam is “expanding their ambitions in green transition, which is well-placed for technological cooperation between Norwegian and Vietnamese businesses.

“We see that there could be huge potential for us in offering, for instance, transportation and storage modules for hydrogen, biogas, and natural gas,” he said.

He added that Việt Nam is still in the early stages of the green transition, so UMOE has cost-effective options that can present technologies that are efficient yet cost effective for the country.

The Netherlands pavilion has organised a series of thematic workshops, covering topics such as digital technology solutions for green logistics and connectivity, water technology, and saline agriculture.

Consul General of the Netherlands in HCM City Daniel Coenraad Stork told Việt Nam News that both countries are very much threatened by climate change.

He said Dutch and Vietnamese businesses have been working on key industries such as agriculture, water management, and logistics, and there is bilateral potential to develop other sectors like emission reduction and green finance.

The Swiss pavilion serves as a dynamic space showcasing Switzerland's commitment to sustainability and innovation. Eight leading Swiss companies (Buhler, G8A Architects, GE Vernova, Helvetas, Nestlé, SIKA, staBOO, VSL) demonstrate innovative solutions for Việt Nam’s sustainable infrastructure and production, as well as the country’s green economy transition.

The pavilion also features four Swiss-funded projects that contribute to building a more sustainable and inclusive economy in Việt Nam.

They include the Swiss Import Promotion Programme, Swiss Tourism for Sustainable Development in Việt Nam, the ILO Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work, and the Regional BioTrade project.

The Swiss Ambassador to Việt Nam, Thomas Gass, said the projects showcase the comprehensive solutions and positive impact of bilateral development cooperation.

The Swiss pavilion features four Swiss-funded projects that contribute to building a more sustainable and inclusive economy in Việt Nam. — VNS Photo Gia Linh

“Together, we can help Việt Nam achieve its ambitious goals for a decarbonised economy and sustainable development by mid-century.”

He told Việt Nam News that it is very important for foreign companies to have “a level playing field that has very clear rules that apply to everyone.

“This is especially important when dealing with the environment, carbon emissions, or waste management.”

For Vietnamese businesses, this is a great event for them to expand their markets, promote green products, and showcase their contribution to building a green economy, said Nguyễn Thanh Tuyền, marketing officer of Lady Kombucha, a company making fermented tea from Đà Nẵng City.

Besides the exhibition, there will be high-level B2B and B2G dialogue sessions throughout the event to enhance bilateral cooperation and promote a sustainable green economy through expertise sharing and technology transfer initiatives.

There will also be a session dedicated to fostering sustainable innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit among Vietnamese university, college, and vocational school students.

Students can also join a programme on the last day to network with industry experts, leading businesses, education institutions, and employers. VNS