Illustrative image (Source: Internet) HCM City (VNA) – Eco-innovation consulting services from the ASEM SMEs Eco-Innovation Centre (ASEIC) were introduced to Vietnamese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at a conference held in Ho Chi Minh City on July 21.
The event, jointly held by the State Agency for Technology Innovation under the Ministry of Science and Technology and the ASEIC, aimed to encourage and support the Vietnamese business community to promote innovation and sustainable development activities.
Businesses were provided with eco-innovation approaches in optimising the use of energy and resources and building sustainable development strategies.
According to the ASEIC, eco-innovation solutions have significant impacts on environmental protection and help increase growth while serving as a leverage to boost sustainable growth.
The ASEM Eco-Innovation Consulting Project for SMEs has been carried out in the garment, food processing and steel structure manufacturing sectors in Ho Chi Minh City and some southern localities.
ASEIC expert Yoon Ji Kang said that the project aims to strengthen the green competitiveness of SMEs through presenting and applying sustainable management method and green technology in their business activities.
At the conference, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Mechanical Industry Pham Ngoc Tuan noted that investment for environmental treatment technologies will help enterprises ensure environmental standards and reduce production costs.
He added that the project should branch out its support and consultation for other sectors.
The ASEIC was established in 2011 with the principal mandate of enhancing the cooperation between Asia and Europe and promoting the eco-innovation of SMEs in both regions. It is dedicated to supporting the efforts of SMEs in ASEM member nations in exchanging environmental regulations and sharing good practices in eco-innovation while promoting eco-designed products.
The centrelaunched its first ASEM Eco-Innovation Consulting Project for 33 SMEs in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam five years ago.-VNA
