Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to build policies for the development of solar energy in Vietnam at a meeting held in Hanoi recently.

Solar energy is a priority target for Vietnam's National Energy Development Strategy up to 2020 with a vision to 2050, approved by the Government in 2007.

The country is likely to face power shortages, so finding new sources of energy is a priority for the country's socio-economic development plans.

However, solar energy projects have not been used for commercial purposes or connected to the national grid as they often require large amounts of investment. In addition, there are still no mechanisms or preferential policies to encourage these projects.

The deputy PM called on the establishment of a legal framework to encourage the development of solar energy and the completion of the country's solar energy development master plan.

He said policy-makers must learn from successful foreign solar energy production models, and balance the interests of both suppliers and consumers.-VNA