Implementation of the National Action Plan on Circular Economy
From policy to practice: Strengthening circular economy implementation and enterprise engagement in Northern region

Many experts from governmental think-tanks and universities as well as international organisations like GIZ and JICA joined the workshop

HSF

Vietnam’s circular economy transition can only succeed if national policies are translated into practical, actionable plans at the provincial level—and if enterprises are engaged as active partners, not passive participants. This framing set an open and solutions-oriented tone for the day. The first technical session provided a clear explanation of the National Action Plan on Circular Economy (NAPCE), breaking down provincial responsibilities and clarifying procedural requirements. Many participants shared that this session offered the clearest guidance they had received so far on how to begin drafting their own CE action plans.

The conversation then turned to local conditions and needs. Representatives from the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment presented an assessment of the city’s waste management challenges and pointed to practical opportunities where circular solutions—such as household waste separation, composting of organic waste, and improved collection systems—could feasibly be introduced. Complementing this, ISPAE researchers presented material-flow case studies that illustrated how provinces can analyse resource streams, identify priority sectors, and design locally tailored CE pilot models. These examples were especially helpful for provinces that have not yet begun collecting CE data, offering them a realistic starting point for planning.

The workshop received great attention from provincial departments who are in charge of preparing Provincial Action Plan on CE

HSF

A major focus of the day was enterprise engagement, recognizing that businesses ultimately drive circular practices through investment, production models, and supply chain decisions. EY Vietnam and Go Circular Vietnam (GIZ) introduced a Circular Economy Criteria Framework that enterprises can use to evaluate their current performance and identify opportunities to redesign processes, reduce waste, and adopt circular solutions. Several provincial officials noted that the framework could serve as a practical tool for dialogue with local businesses—helping them understand where to begin and how CE can strengthen competitiveness.

The workshop also highlighted sector-specific opportunities through a presentation by the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association and Bao Minh Industrial Park. They provided concrete examples of how circular approaches—such as material reuse, industrial symbiosis, and cleaner production technologies—can be integrated into the textile and garment sector. As this sector is economically significant for many Northern provinces, the presentation demonstrated both environmental and economic benefits, showing that circular economy adoption is not just a policy direction but a business opportunity with real market relevance.

In closing, HSF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting provinces in the next steps, including technical guidance, follow-up consultations, and additional training on enterprise collaboration and project design. A successful CE implementation will require strong public-private cooperation, particularly as provinces navigate ongoing institutional restructuring.