SMEs’ responsibility for environment management highlighted

A workshop on pollution control and corporate social responsibility of Vietnam’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) took place in Hanoi on April 28.
SMEs’ responsibility for environment management highlighted ảnh 1At the workshop (Photo: VNA)
 
Hanoi (VNA) – A workshop on pollution control and corporatesocial responsibility of Vietnam’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)took place in Hanoi on April 28.

The event was co-held by the Research Institute for SMEs (RISME) todiscuss challenges and opportunities of the country’s SMEs in complying withenvironment protection laws and map out policy- and technology-related measuresto help them improve capacity of pollution control and environment protection.

Addressing the workshop, Pham The Hung from the RISME said the SMEstoday are demanding more access to environment management information andtraining courses on environment management to learn about legal environmentrequirements.

Aside from training courses, associations and research institutes shoulddesign other kinds of support for the enterprises in the field, he said.

Hung cited the fact that the enterprises have struggled to ensure theenvironmental laws are enforced due to a lack of knowledge on the laws andhuman resources capable of environment management in line with limited fundingand outdated technology.

Furthermore, little support from the government and unstable legalregulations in the matter have posed difficulties for the enterprises to actwithin the law, putting them at risk of being fined or suspended for breach ofenvironment regulations, he added.

Meanwhile, Director of the Centre for Environment and Community Research(CECR) pointed out that many firms have not paid enough attention or neglecttraining courses on pollution control technology and solutions, even thoughmost of which were free. They appeared to prefer those on taxation and customsprocedures.

Surveys indicates that big brands or foreign-invested firms, like Vinamilk,Dow and Pepsico, have complied with the laws better and put many efforts inenergy saving, waste recycling and wastewater treatment.

The training courses on corporate social responsibility and legal environmentmanagement need to provide the SMEs with clear benefits, for example,environment-related benefits that help them enhance power and performanceefficiency, save cost and bring better opportunities. - VNA
VNA

See more

White-rumped langurs are rescued and conserved at the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre (EPRC) in Cuc Phuong National Park. (Photo: VNA)

Ninh Binh establishes Kim Bang white-rumped langur conservation area

Covering a total area of 3,182ha, the conservation area comprises 3,016.81ha of natural forest, 64.25ha of plantation forest and 100.94ha of land without forest, with no water surface area. It is located in the Ly Thuong Kiet, Tam Chuc and Nguyen Uy wards of Ninh Binh province.

The forum takes place in Hanoi on August 25, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, RoK promote cooperation to deliver on net-zero commitments

Sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear power, science and advanced technologies are playing an increasingly important role in national competitiveness and economic development of each country. They also offer considerable room for Vietnam and the RoK to expand professional exchanges, share experience and promote cooperation, particularly among their energy experts.

Storm Narra's projected path as of 7:00 on August 22. (Photo: National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting)

Storm brings heavy rains to northern Vietnam

Storm Narra, the fourth to hit the East Sea this year, brought strong winds and heavy rains to northern Vietnam on early August 22, with some areas forecast to receive more than 500mm of rain as the storm moves slowly over the northern waters of the East Sea.

A view of the meeting between Phu Tho authorities and a visiting delegation from Germany's KfW Development Bank in the province on August 20, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Phu Tho, German bank discuss wastewater treatment plan for Da River's left bank

The project is being implemented in the former Hoa Binh city, now Hoa Binh ward. It has a total investment of 688.7 billion VND (26.38 million USD), including 507.3 billion VND in ODA and 181.4 billion VND in counterpart funding. Major components include a wastewater treatment plant, pumping stations, a collection network, and connection infrastructure.

Construction workers reinforce steel and pour concrete to cover the underground drainage channel, helping collect rainwater and tackle flooding in Da Nang. (Photo: VNA)

A new “shield” against climate change

Smart urban areas are no longer simply about technology; they are becoming a tool that enables authorities to forecast risks, adapt quickly and protect their residents.

Vietnam is exerting efforts to cope with climate change. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Vietnam approves carbon credit pact with Singapore under Paris Agreement

Signed on September 16, 2025, the Implementation Agreement on carbon credits collaboration under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change affirms Vietnam and Singapore’s pioneering role and commitment to close cooperation in the international carbon market, making a substantive contribution to global climate response.

A view of Vo Cuong ward, Bac Ninh province (Photo: VNA)

Bac Ninh earmarks over 1.7 billion USD for environmental protection

By 2030, Bac Ninh aims to ensure that all operating industrial clusters and industrial parks have centralised wastewater treatment systems meeting standards, while at least 95% of wastewater in Grade-I urban areas and 70% in Grade-II urban areas is collected and treated to required standards.