At the Germany – Vietnam business forum (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – A Germany – Vietnam business forum, themed “Collaborative pathways togreen growth in Ho Chi Minh City”, took place in Ho Chi Minh City on March 28.
The event wasco-hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City Investment andTrade Promotion Centre (ITPC), the German Business Association (GBA) in Ho ChiMinh City, and the United Overseas Bank (UOB).
Speakingat the event, ITPC Deputy Director of ITPC Cao Thi Phi Van highlighted Ho ChiMinh City as a vibrant urban area and an economic, cultural and technologicalhub of Vietnam, contributing 25% to the national budget.
HoChi Minh City is home to more than 400,000active businesses, including nearly 15,000 foreign-invested ones, she said, adding that the city has completed a framework strategyfor green growth until 2030, with a vision to 2050, which places citizens andbusinesses at the centre.
She said the event provides a platformto update European investors, especially those from Germany, about localinvestment environment and new development mechanisms, thereby tapping investmentcooperation potential between Ho Chi Minh City, neighbouring localities andEuropean countries, especially in the fields of green growth, sustainabledevelopment and innovation.
GBA Chairman AlexanderZiehe suggested that Vietnam and Ho Chi MinhCity in particular should improve policies on finance, administrative procedures,infrastructure, digitalisation, and foreign labour.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the EuroCham Green Growth Sector Subcommittee Erick Contreras advised Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City to prioritise transparentmechanisms to stimulate investment in energy efficiency, including reducingsubsidies for electricity.
He also called for timely and coordinated approaches tomaximise the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid, adding that the city also needs to prioritise the use ofeco-friendly construction materials and recycling while building clear urban planningstrategies that encompass not only green infrastructure but also water, wasteand transportation management./.
