From Planning to Action
Vietnam Circular Economy Forum 2024 in Hanoi
HE Tran Quy Kien, Deputy Minister of MONRE, extended his welcome to all participants at this year’s Forum
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Speaking at the Forum, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment HE. Tran Quy Kien emphasized that implementing the National Action Plan for the circular economy will drive innovation, improve labor productivity, foster green practices, and promote green jobs and new value chains. He highlighted that the circular economy requires inter-sectoral collaboration and the participation of all societal levels, including authorities, ministries, organizations, and individuals. The government plays a key role by providing resources such as funding, research, technology transfer, training, and data platforms to support domestic enterprises. Organizations and individuals act as the driving force, with businesses leading the way by innovating business models and forming circular value chains. Promoting innovation, he noted, is essential for achieving a circular economy, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and fostering harmony between humans and nature.
Mr. Michael Siegner, Resident Representative of HSF Vietnam, shared insights with the audience about our support for sustainable startups and the role of startups in driving the circular transition
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At the panel discussion, representatives of HSF, Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and UNIDO shared their insights on the best practices and challenges to overcome for circular economy implementation. The government representatives emphasized that the transition to a circular economy is an inevitable global trend, widely supported by countries as an opportunity to fulfill international commitments in environmental protection and climate change response. This aligns with the goal of sustainable development for the health of people, the natural environment, and the planet. Proactively developing a circular economy was affirmed as essential for economic recovery and achieving sustainable development goals. Mr. Michael Siegner of HSF discussed challenges faced by startups and SMEs, including high compliance costs for eco-labeling and limited access to resources and networks. He called for stronger collaboration between policymakers and the private sector, peer-learning platforms, and tools like the Global Circularity Protocol (GCP) to support transparency, foster innovation, and attract investment in Vietnam’s circular economy initiatives.
High-level participants are the leaders of Ministries, international organisations, and private sector
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In the afternoon, participants had opportunities to attend three interactive thematic sessions including design for circularity, sustainable production and consumption, and waste to resources. These sessions showcased best practices from circular economic models implemented in Vietnam, such as industrial symbiosis, recycling by-products in the textile industry, circulating organic waste in agriculture, circular design for plastic packaging, and waste recycling. Support mechanisms, including access to financial resources from commercial banks and initiatives for circular economy startups, were also shared. The forum also underscored the role of manufacturing industries and businesses in transforming management structures, adopting advanced technologies, and innovating production methods to support the circular economy. Discussions concluded that transitioning to a circular economy requires a holistic approach covering the entire product lifecycle—from design and production to consumption and disposal. It calls for integrating science and technology in production and waste treatment, with the State playing a strategic and supportive role, enterprises driving the transition, and active participation from organizations and individuals.
The Circular Economy Forum 2024 is another example of HSF’s effort to support Vietnam in advancing its circular economy and implementing the National Action Plan for Circular Economy (NAPCE). Through knowledge exchange and policy development, HSF aims to help Vietnam achieve its sustainable development goals while balancing economic growth and environmental protection.