Hanoi (VNA) - The combined forces of political determination, technological innovation and proactive business engagement are emerging as key drivers for Vietnam as it pursues prosperity and its 2050 Net Zero commitment.
As the country faces unprecedented climate challenges in 2025, Vietnam is also entering what experts describe as a “dual transition” - digitalisation and green transformation - seen as essential for sustainable and inclusive growth.
This vision was highlighted at the seminar “Drivers for the Sustainable Era”, organised on November 27 by the Ministry of Finance’s Finance–Investment Newspaper. Policymakers, technology specialists and business leaders shared perspectives on building a new economic landscape in which profitability aligns with responsibility, and technology provides the foundation for a resilient future.
The event followed COP30 in Brazil, where strong calls for climate action were juxtaposed with contradictions in global climate finance.
Addressing the event, Editor-in-Chief Pham Van Hoanh underscored the urgency of climate risks, pointing to recent severe storms and floods across northern and central Vietnam.
According to Hoanh, the world is confronting its most severe climate crisis, yet political resolve among some major economies is weakening.
He noted, however, that challenges also create momentum for change. Vietnam is emerging as a proactive member, implementing strategic reforms to shift its growth model. The Party and Government are promoting development grounded in pillar resolutions, fostering a favourable environment for business innovation. Investor confidence in the country’s green agenda has also grown, reflected in a more than 60% increase in domestic green bond issuance since the beginning of the year.
Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Tam described 2025 as a historic milestone for the economy and the finance sector, particularly the merger of government agencies aimed at enhancing macro-management effectiveness.
He stressed that digital transformation and green transitions are not separate goals but complementary processes. Digitalisation supports transparent management, while green transition provides the direction for humane and sustainable development.
To realise this vision, the Ministry of Finance is refining the legal and policy framework, including tax incentives, priority credit packages, and funds to support innovation. The ministry is also studying public–private partnership mechanisms for digital infrastructure and renewable energy projects. A key development is the issuance of the national Green Taxonomy, which serves as an important tool for identifying and promoting environmentally sustainable investment. Vietnam aims to establish an effective domestic carbon market by 2030, enabling deeper integration of local enterprises into global supply chains. While policy offers direction, technology provides the leverage for Vietnam to meet its climate targets.
Pham Thai Lai, President and CEO of Siemens ASEAN and Vietnam, highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence and digital twin technology. He compared the impact of digitalisation today to that of electrification in the last century, noting its profound influence on manufacturing and smart infrastructure.
Lai cited data centres as an example. These facilities consume vast amounts of electricity, yet digital twin models allow operators to simulate operations, design heat maps and identify precise cooling needs. This prevents damage to high-value chips while reducing energy waste.
According to Lai, Siemens is supporting several renewable energy and electric-vehicle manufacturing projects in Vietnam as part of its global commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2030, demonstrating the central role of technology in addressing climate challenges.
From the business perspective, green transition has become a survival factor rather than a conceptual goal. Larry Lee Chio Lim, Deputy CEO of Saigon Beer–Alcohol–Beverage Corporation (SABECO), said sustainability is now a prerequisite for market access, investment and talent attraction. Nearly half of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, placing increasing pressure on FMCG and F&B companies.
Lim said early investment in energy efficiency can reduce operating costs by 5–14%. SABECO has made notable progress, now sourcing over 40% of its production energy from renewables, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 9.3%, and ensuring that all primary packaging materials are recyclable or reusable. Circular-economy practices have been embedded throughout operations, turning materials into resources rather than waste.
He emphasised that sustainability must be systemic, from board-level ESG governance to community livelihoods.
He said a brewery must also be a responsible steward of water resources, or it cannot sustain its business or support the surrounding community.
With coordinated policy, advanced technology and active business participation, speakers concluded that Vietnam is positioned to advance firmly into a sustainable era driven by dual transition./.
