Panelists at the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Summit on April 16 in HCM City (Photo: VNS/VNA) Speaking at the meeting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vo Van Hoan, Vice Chairman of the municipalPeople’s Committee, said Vietnam was willing to cooperate with Australia,particularly in the southern metropolis, to work towards a sustainable andprosperous future.
The collaboration will involve creating business opportunities, sharingknowledge, connecting businesses from both countries, and facilitatingbilateral trade and investment.
With its strong infrastructure, transportation networks, skilled workforce, andtop universities, HCM City, offers favourable conditions for collaboration withAustralia, he added.
Vietnam’s largest economic hub has focused on a green economic developmentstrategy, which includes a robust policy framework that aligns with Australia’sgreen economic policy.
Jenny McAllister, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy,who is on a visit to Vietnam, said Australia was also willing to support Vietnamand Southeast Asia throughout their clean energy transformations.
“Cooperation is the key to unlocking economic opportunities for Australia and Vietnamas our countries and international partners undergo a clean energytransformation,” she said.
Australia, as a global leader in clean energy technology and sustainable finance,can assist Vietnam in its transition by providing expertise in these areas,according to McAllister.
Australia and Vietnam last month elevated their relationship to a ComprehensiveStrategic Partnership, the first of its kind with a standalone climate andclean energy pillar.
Australian Ambassador for Climate Change Kristin Tilley, who is also on a visitto Vietnam, said the summit provided an opportunity for both nations to discusshow to tackle climate change through ambitious climate actions.
Vietnam an attractive investment destination
Anna Skarbek, Climateworks Centre CEO, said as Vietnam seeks to achieve itslong-term net zero targets, it has become a more attractive destination forinvestment in green economy.
It is poised to play a significant role in the region’s decarbonisation, shesaid. An enabling policy environment is needed to accelerate the green economy,she added.
The country is emerging as one of the fastest-growing energy markets in Asia,with energy demand projected to grow by 8-10% annually.
In June last year, the Australian Government announced an 105 million AUD (67.5million USD) aid package for sustainable infrastructure planning and privateinvestment in clean energy infrastructure in Vietnam.
Organised by Asialink and Climateworks Centre with support from the AustralianGovernment, this week’s summit attracted over 150 business leaders and expertsfrom both countries.
The event was held as part of the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Programmelaunched last year to foster collaboration between two governments andbusinesses in green economy./.
VNA
