Leading experts and researchers from a number of fields shared their diverse views on potential Vietnamese green growth models at a seminar in Hanoi on October 8.

They highlighted the lessons learned from the country’s recent decades of growth, the successes and failures of post-Doi Moi (Renewal) growth models, and substitutional growth solutions in the context of the crisis.

Deputy Director of the Strategic Institute for Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen The Chinh briefed participants on Vietnam ’s shift from centralised planning to a socialist-oriented market economy, noting the twin goals of economic growth and improved social welfare services.

Since the Doi Moi process was launched in 1986, Vietnam’s positive growth has weathered crises and downturns, advancing from a poor nation to its current middle income status, he said.

Participating experts warned Vietnam of the danger of the middle-income trap, stressing that the country should invest in sufficient research resources to ensure its future economic growth model is as well-informed as possible.

Any new growth model must recognise the pressing need for environmentally conscious and sustainable development in order to secure both growth and social welfare, they said.

Vietnam is especially vulnerable to climate change and regularly suffers storms, floods and tidal surges. Carbon emissions need to be minimised while preparations for sea level rises should begin.-VNA