The European Union (EU)’ Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a challenge for many sectors of Vietnam but also a motivation for businesses to speed up green transition to meet sustainable production standards, heard a conference in Ho Chi Minh City on November 8.

Huynh Minh Vu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Centre of International Integration Support (CIIS), underlined that the EU is one of the most important trade partners of Vietnam and stressed that import policies of the union will have a certain impact on Vietnamese exporters.

The CBAM, a policy of the European Green Deal (EGD), is expected to help the EU reduce carbon emission by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. It is forecast to directly affect the goods supply chain of businesses.

Do Huu Hung from the Europe-America Market Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade said that the CBAM will impact Vietnam’s exports, initially steel and cement. At the same time, it is currently impossible to tell whether the EU will expand the group of products applying the CBAM mechanism or not, he said, adding this mechanism, therefore is also a trend that businesses need to consider from the beginning in the process of designing their production strategies.

The official held that in order to adapt to the common global trends, including the CBAM, sectors with export products should be clearly aware of regulations and requirements of import markets. He advised businesses to green up their production by investing more on clean technologies and power sufficient solutions.

Businesses and stakeholders should coordinate with and conduct dialogues with the EU to ensure the CBAM is implemented in a fair and equal manner, he stated.

Dang Bui Khue, Training Manager at Bureau Veritas Vietnam, said that although so far only the EU has announced the CBAM, the greening up of production is an indispensable requirement to protect the living environment and maintain sustainable development.

As Vietnam has announced the commitment to net-zero emission by 2050, strengthened the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable and developed green industry, sustainable agriculture and circular economy, businesses should actively build their own quality management system and renovate their management and production process, he underlined.

Khue held that the application of taxes on carbon-intensive products will prompt enterprises to speed up green transition but also motivate them to join the carbon credit market, a promising market that will help firms create more added values.

The Republic of Korea (RoK)’s Woori Bank inaugurated its new branch in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on November 8, increasing the number of its offices in Vietnam to 21 after 26 years of operation in the country.

General Director of Woori Bank Vietnam Park Jong Il said that the establishment of the branch is part of the Korean lender’s strategy to boost its business activities in Vietnam, hoping to bring the best financial services and products to local residents and businesses.

Woori Bank offers a diversity of financial services to individual and business customers, he said, adding the bank also provides financial consultancy for Korean firms who are going to break into the Vietnamese market.

Meanwhile, RoK Consul General Shin Choong Il highlighted that being present in Vietnam since 1997, the bank has enjoyed robust operation and made contributions to the Vietnam – RoK friendship.

Director of the State Bank of Vietnam’s Can Tho branch Tran Quoc Ha pledged support for Woori Bank to run effective business in the city, while asking the bank to strictly comply with related regulations in Vietnam and respect its customers’ benefits.

Established in 1899, Woori Bank is the oldest in the RoK. It has 713 domestic branches and transaction offices, and a network of 567 others in 24 countries across the globe. With a total asset value of 508.1 billion USD, Woori Bank has made its name to the list of the world’s largest banks.

Woori Bank entered Vietnam with its first office in Hanoi in 1997. The bank plans to expand its financial clout by adding 10 branches across the country in the first half of 2024.

Vietnam attends 39th edition of Havana International Trade Fair

Dozens of local businesses displayed their advantageous products in the fields of agriculture, industry, and handicrafts at the 39th edition of the Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV 39) which took place on November 8 in La Habana of Cuba.

The opening ceremony of the Vietnamese national pavilion at the event saw Hoang Minh Chien, deputy director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, emphasise that the nation is currently Cuba’s second largest trading partner in Asia.
  
He noted that the participation of Vietnamese firms at the function has contributed to strengthening ties with partners in the Cuban market, as well as giving a fresh impetus to the rebound in export turnover moving forward.

Chien assessed that not only Cuba, but also other Latin American and Caribbean countries, have been identified as potential markets for local goods as they have a high demand for some of Vietnam’s advantageous products.

He added that the entry of Vietnamese goods into the Cuban market will open up a wealth of opportunities for local businesses to make greater inroads into other markets throughout Latin America.

During this year's fair, the country's pavilion with 16 booths introduced agricultural products, processed foods, household appliances, construction materials, interior decoration - exterior, vaccines, and biological products.

FIHAV 39 represents the largest annual event in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Vietnamese cinnamon exports surge over 10-month period

Vietnam raked in more than US$220 million from exporting 74,744 tonnes of cinnamon during the ten-month period, representing a rise of 19.2% in volume and a drop of 1.3% in value against the same period from last year, according to details given by the Vietnam Pepper Association.

The average export price of cinnamon throughout the reviewed period dropped by 17.2% to US$2,948 per tonne on-year.

The main export markets of Vietnamese cinnamon include India with 32,795 tonnes, up 4.7%, followed by the United States with 8,379 tonnes, up 11.2%, Bangladesh with 4,780 tonnes, up 25.7%, Brazil with 2,538 tonnes, up 30.6%, and Indonesia with 2,202 tonnes, up 75.7%.

Nguyen Nhu Tiep, director of the Agro-Forestry Fisheries Quality Assurance Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that due to the growing demand for raw materials in the food and cosmetic industries, Vietnamese cinnamon, and anise have been widely consumed in many regions such as South Asia in India and Bangladesh, the Middle East in the UAE and Pakistan, East Asia in Japan and Taiwan (China), the Republic of Korea, the US, and the EU.

Le Viet Anh, chief of Office of the Vietnam Pepper Association, pointed out that despite Vietnam boasting advantages in exporting spices due to free trade agreements such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Vietnamese spice industry faces many challenges.

Specifically, the cinnamon industry has yet to devise a sustainable national development strategy, while local businesses still lack technology and capital to invest in deep processing as a means of increasing their product value, Anh said.

Furthermore, geopolitical instability may lead to price instability rather than supply and demand factors while local firms have faced tough competition from other manufacturing countries such as Indonesia and China.

Insiders analysed that there remains plenty of room to boost cinnamon exports to the EU and US markets, noting that local businesses are required to abide by stringent requirements in terms of controlling toxic substances, pesticide residues, heat treatment, plant quarantine, food safety, and transparent supply chain to make further inroads into the market.

Seminar looks to foster Vietnam - Hungary economic, trade ties

A business seminar has been held in Nograd county of Hungary with a view to promoting economic and trade relations between Vietnam and the European country.

The November 7 event, held by the Embassy and Trade Office of Vietnam in Hungary, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Nograd, and the Hungarian - Vietnamese Business Council, looked into the two countries’ economic and trade ties, identified potential areas and cooperation opportunities, and proposed solutions to difficulties facing the countries’ businesses.

In her remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Nguyen Thi Bich Thao affirmed that the Vietnamese Government attaches importance to the substantive enhancement of the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Hungary. The political trust between the two countries provides the fundamental base for them to step up ties in other spheres, especially economy and trade.

Despite its recent growth, she noted, bilateral trade has yet to match potential. Vietnam is a developing country which has big demand for modern machinery and equipment, and products with high added value. Besides, it is strong at producing and exporting agricultural and seafood products, apparel, footwear, and electronic components.

Given this, she suggested the two sides increase trading to tap into each other’s strengths and export the products in demand in each other’s markets.

Tordai Peter, head of the Nograd Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described the Vietnamese enterprises in Hungary as an indispensable part in the promotion of bilateral business partnerships.

He expressed his hope that more Vietnamese companies will come to Nograd to seek business chances in the coming time.

Giving a presentation of the Vietnamese market, Tran Ngoc Ha, head of the Vietnamese Trade Office in Hungary, held that as both sides are encountering many challenges, they should make joint efforts to surmount difficulties and bolster economic and trade ties.

He suggested stepping up the connectivity between their enterprises, calling on the commerce and industry chambers of Nograd and other Hungarian localities, as well as the Hungarian - Vietnamese Business Council to cooperate with the Trade Office of Vietnam to share information and help connect businesses.

The two sides should send more business delegations to fairs and exhibitions to help them explore markets and seek partners, Ha continued, adding that they can also enhance labour cooperation as Hungary is facing a labour shortage while Vietnam has an abundant, industrious, and skilled workforce.

The Vietnamese side always creates the best possible conditions for both sides’ enterprises to promote economic and trade relations, the official affirmed.

Vietnamese ride-hailing company launches service in Laos

From November 9, residents in Vientiane capital city and foreign tourists to Laos can easily book an electric taxi of Green & Smart Mobility (GSM), a Vietnamese ride-hailing company, through the Xanh SM Laos application on the App Store and Play Store, or also rent an electric car directly on the road.

This is the first foreign market in the company’s "Go Green Global" strategy with a roadmap to become an international electric vehicle (EV) service provider and to popularise the "green mobility" trend to the world.

Speaking at a ceremony to launch the service, which was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Laos Gen. Vilay Lakhamfong, CEO of GSM Nguyen Van Thanh expressed his hope that Xanh SM taxi will create a revolution in mobility in Laos.

Anouphap Tounalom, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of Vientiane, said that the trend of using EVs is increasing in Laos, especially in big cities like Vientiane.

The launch of Xanh SM taxi service is a commendable step, not only helping Lao people and tourists have more quality transportation options, but also making a positive contribution to protecting the environment and helping the Lao Government fulfill its goal of 30% of vehicles being electric ones by 2030, the official said.

After Laos, the GSM plans to expand its service to other Southeast Asian nations.

Italian firms promote packaging products, technologies in Vietnam

Products of leading Italian firms in the packing production, processing and packaging sector are being introduced at the 16th International Processing and Packaging Exhibition and Conference for Vietnam (ProPak Vietnam 2023), which is taking place in Ho Chi Minh City from November 8-10.

Participating in ProPak Vietnam 2023, the Italian enterprises hoped to promote their cutting-edge machines, equipment, technologies, and production chains in the field of processing and packaging for production in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, industrial products, among others in the Vietnamese and other markets.

Fabio De Cillis, Director of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in Vietnam, said for many consecutive years, ITA has organised Italian booths at ProPak Vietnam and the number of Italian firms participating in the exhibition has increased significantly. Besides, many Italian importers and distributors have attended the exhibition to seek partners, expand business activties as well as maintaining relations with regional partners and strengthening their brands' presence in the host market.

According to the official, this year marks the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Vietnam. The Southeast Asian country is Italy's largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Italy is Vietnam's 4th biggest trading partner in the European Union (EU). This creates a strong motivation for the business communities of the two countries to step up trade cooperation.

Statistics showed that, despite global challenges, bilateral trade in 2022 reached the highest-ever level, at 6.2 billion USD, up 11% compared to the figure in 2021. The Italian government has included Vietnam in the list of 20 priority countries to promote trade and investment until 2030.

Lawmakers propose higher state capital ratio in PPP projects

A number of lawmakers suggested raising the ratio of state capital in public private partnership (PPP) road projects to 80% while discussing a draft resolution on special mechanisms and policies for such projects on November 9.

They said some strategic projects require huge investment, so besides calling for capital in the PPP form, the State has to shoulder a larger share of the initial investment. 

Besides, projects in underdeveloped areas and those with important security-defence significance where there is low transport demand also need higher ratio of State capital to make them feasible when calling for private capital. 

In its proposal to the NA, the Government recommended raising the cap on State’s contribution in PPP infrastructure projects to 70% from the current 50%.

 Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung at the discussion on special mechanisms and policies for PPP projects. (Photo: VNA)
Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said it is necessary to lift the cap on state contribution to ensure the projects’ feasibility, but if the ceiling is too high, the meaning of PPP will be lost.

The ratio of 70-75% is rational, however, it could be higher in several projects, he said, adding he welcomed NA deputies’ opinions on the issues to complete the PPP law.

Int’l workshop on nanotechnology underway in Phan Thiet

The eighth International Workshop on Nanotechnology and Application (IWNA 2023) is taking place in Phan Thiet city, the south-central province of Binh Thuan from 9-11, with about 300 delegates from 20 countries taking part.

Co-hosted by the Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City, the Institute for Nano Technology (INT), the CEA-LETI-MINATEC of France, and the provincial People's Committee, the event is scheduled to hear the presentation of about 200-250 scientific papers covering key issues in the field of nano technology, from fundamental research to studies on the synthesis of nano materials, nano-component manufacturing process, and their application in science and daily life.

INT Director Dr. Doan Duc Chanh Tin said the biennial event seeks to enhance scientific research collaboration among countries, step up scientific research activities in the field of nanotechnology, and apply this technology in daily life and socio-economic development.
  
Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Minh expressed his hope that the IWNA 2023 will open up opportunities for research cooperation between domestic and foreign institutes and universities and sci-tech scientific experts, businesses and investors.

The province will enhance cooperation in scientific research, human resources training, and transfer of nanotechnology, contributing to sustainably improving the quality of local signature products in combination with environment protection, fostering the development of startups and innovative initiatives.

DFC CEO returns to VN to advance strategic relations with key regional partner

The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Scott Nathan on November 9 traveled to Ho Chi Minh City, his second trip to the country in two months, in a firm demonstration of the importance of the country to DFC and to the United States.With US$737 million in exposure, Vietnam is DFC’s largest market in Southeast Asia.

“My return two months after my participation in President Biden’s historic visit demonstrates DFC’s commitment to bolstering Vietnam’s private sector,” said DFC CEO Scott Nathan. “Over the past year, Vietnam has become our largest market in Southeast Asia, with DFC making commitments across our priority sectors, including energy, agriculture, health, and small business support. We look to do more here, both to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our two countries and to unleash the power of private capital and create greater opportunity and prosperity for Vietnam’s people.”

CEO Nathan met with current and prospective clients, public and private-sector leaders, and beneficiaries of DFC’s work. In particular, he met with a delegation of visiting companies looking to further invest in the country; met with stakeholders investing in renewable energy and advancing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP); and visited Fulbright University Vietnam, which is using its US$37 million loan from DFC to construct its new campus in Ho Chi Minh City that will expand access to higher education in Vietnam.

In September 2023, CEO Nathan joined President Biden in Hanoi to elevate the US‐Vietnam relationship. This time, in Ho Chi Minh City, CEO Nathan, along with US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, conveyed DFC’s enduring commitment to helping build a strong, independent, prosperous, and resilient Vietnam within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

During CEO Nathan’s previous trip to Vietnam, he announced two new commitments that nearly tripled DFC’s portfolio of investments in the country – more than US$400 million in new financing to help expand access to finance for two major Vietnamese banks, VPBank and TPBank. These investments will bolster lending to small businesses across the country, including those owned by women, a group that has often faced significant challenges accessing finance.

Canadian media suggests things travelers must know to plan a trip to VN

Postcard-perfect shores featuring blazing sunshine and friendly locals, coupled with visitors able to travel at a cheap price, are among the reasons why Vancouveris Awesome travel website of Canada wrote that Vietnam is one of the most highly sought-after destination spots globally.While the nation’s largest cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are located in the north and the south, the central region offers plenty of experiences that guests can’t find elsewhere.

Digital nomads from Vancouver tend to visit Da Nang in central Vietnam during the winter and it isn’t hard to see why, according to the piece’s author Elana Shepert.

With regards to the best time of year to visit the nation, many travelers enjoy visiting between March to April because there is less rainfall and temperatures tend to lean on the milder side. 

Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Fansipan Mountain are among the must-see sightseeing spots in Vietnam. Hanoi has been dubbed as Vietnam’s art capital as it provides a chance for travelers to discover historic temples, sample street food, and visit an art gallery.

The city also affords plenty of opportunities to learn more about the culture or unwind with a cocktail on a posh rooftop patio or enjoy a beer (bia hoi) at a laid-back backpacker bar. 

Considered the country’s most popular tourist attraction, cruises through Ha Long Bay include mesmerising vistas of over 1,500 islands and islets with limestone pillars rising up majestically from the ocean, with the majority of them being uninhabited spots and untouched by human presence. 

It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a couple of threatened species that are endemic to the area, meaning they can’t be found anywhere else on Earth. 

Fansipan Mountain, the country’s highest peak is home to some of the most coveted views in Southeast Asia. Sitting at over 10,000 feet above sea level, a journey through the temples on the summit offers more than eye-catching fodder for social media.

The nation is also one of the most budget-friendly choices travelers can make, Shepert wrote.

While there are some pricier places to stay and dine, frugal travelers can expect to pay about US$30 a day, including meals, hostel accommodation, and transportation. Indeed, mouth-watering bowls of pho can cost as little as the equivalent of CAD2.

Since the country is so affordable, guests may want to splurge for luxury, such as staying in a five-star resort in Ho Chi Minh like Vinpearl Landmark 81 or Autograph Collection for as little as US$100 a night.

Elsewhere, there are still some well-known brands charging a pretty penny in the southern city. For example, the Park Hyatt Hotel Saigon's prices start at around US$350, the article shared.

Int’l workshop on nanotechnology underway in Phan Thiet

The eighth International Workshop on Nanotechnology and Application (IWNA 2023) is taking place in Phan Thiet city, the south-central province of Binh Thuan from 9-11, with about 300 delegates from 20 countries taking part.

Co-hosted by the Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City, the Institute for Nano Technology (INT), the CEA-LETI-MINATEC of France, and the provincial People's Committee, the event is scheduled to hear the presentation of about 200-250 scientific papers covering key issues in the field of nano technology, from fundamental research to studies on the synthesis of nano materials, nano-component manufacturing process, and their application in science and daily life.

INT Director Dr. Doan Duc Chanh Tin said the biennial event seeks to enhance scientific research collaboration among countries, step up scientific research activities in the field of nanotechnology, and apply this technology in daily life and socio-economic development.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Minh expressed his hope that the IWNA 2023 will open up opportunities for research cooperation between domestic and foreign institutes and universities and sci-tech scientific experts, businesses and investors.

The province will enhance cooperation in scientific research, human resources training, and transfer of nanotechnology, contributing to sustainably improving the quality of local signature products in combination with environment protection, fostering the development of startups and innovative initiatives.

Luxury cruise ships bring 7,500 international tourists to Vietnam

Saigontourist Travel Service Company (Saigontourist) will welcome three international cruise ships of Celebrity Cruises, a cruise line headquartered in Miami of Florida, from November 10 to November 26, bringing a total 7,500 passengers to the nation.

According to the schedule, Celebrity Solstice cruise ship with boast 2,700 international passengers on board and will arrive at the Phu My port in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province on November 10.
  
The visitors are then set to spend time on a five-day tour to various sightseeing destinations in the coastal city of Nha Trang on November 11, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on November 12, and Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh on November 13.

After that, the next trip will see the cruise ship return to Vietnam and bring another 2,700 passengers to Ha Long Bay on November 18, the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on November 20, and Phu My port.

On November 26, the Celebrity Millennium is scheduled to reach a port in Thua Thien-Hue province with about 2,100 passengers from the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia on board.

Upon arrival, the passengers will be able to discover the central region of the country before departing the port the following day.

A representative of Saigontourist said the density of ships docking at Vietnamese ports marks the strong recovery of international tourism in general, as well as cruise tourism in particular.

Moving forward, the company will continue receiving multiple international cruise ships from major firms such as Silversea Cruises and Crystal Cruises during the last months of the year.

Việt Nam's drug market aims at affordable healthcare for all

The 2023 Asian Forum on Pharmaceutical Sciences (AFPS) with the theme "Collaboration for Breakthroughs in Pharmaceutical Sciences" commenced yesterday in Hà Nội.

The event is organised by the Hà Nội University of Pharmacy in collaboration with the Asian Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Hồ Chí Minh City from November 8th to 10th.

The AFPS, the largest pharmaceutical-specialised conference in the Asia-Pacific region, is held every two years, bringing together delegates from 24 member countries of the Federation, with this year's conference attracting over 500 in-person participants and nearly 100 online attendees from both domestic and international locations. Among them, nearly 200 delegates come from 26 countries and territories, and 350 presenters contribute oral and poster presentations.

Speaking at the opening session, Nguyễn Thị Liên Hương, Deputy Minister of Health, stated that according to the Research Report on Việt Nam's Pharmaceutical Industry, as of 2022, the total value of Việt Nam's pharmaceutical market had reached nearly 7 billion USD, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.6%. Per capita pharmaceutical spending stood at 75 USD.

Currently, Việt Nam boasts 228 drug manufacturing companies that meet GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, including 17 facilities certified with EU-GMP, equivalent to PIC/S-GMP.

The Vietnamese pharmaceutical industry is now at a quasi-level 3 stage, with 90% of raw materials being imported. It focuses on the production of generic drugs and exports a variety of pharmaceuticals.

Overall, the pharmaceutical market remains relatively stable, and the category of medicines for treating patients is consistently priced lower than the general consumer price index. Medication prices in Việt Nam are among the lowest in the region.

Hương emphasised that the Vietnamese government, in its pursuit of sustainable development in the pharmaceutical sector, has approved the National Strategy for the Development of Việt Nam's Pharmaceutical Industry up to 2030 and the vision to 2045, as outlined in Decision 1165/QD-TTg dated October 9, 2023.

This conference, along with the accompanying events, serves as a platform for sharing, knowledge exchange, and updating experiences among scientists, healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical manufacturers and policymakers. The goal is to work towards a sustainable healthcare system, institutional improvement, legal frameworks, investment and enhanced competitiveness, fostering collaboration and participation in the pharmaceutical value chain. The focus also lies on enhancing management capabilities, controlling the pharmaceutical market and ensuring the appropriate, safe and effective use of medicines.

Nguyễn Hải Nam, Rector of Hà Nội University of Pharmacy, shared that the development of a new drug requires the involvement of numerous scientists from various fields. Even after a drug is introduced, research and monitoring continue to ensure safe and effective usage, manage treatment costs for patients, and create appropriate policies that balance the interests of all parties.

Pharmaceutical Science is not a singular field but rather a multidisciplinary domain. From the 19th century, the advancement of synthetic chemistry contributed to the discovery of new drugs that could be manufactured on a large scale, leading to the pharmaceutical industry.

In the 20th century, molecular biology and genetics deepened our understanding of disease mechanisms and causes. This led to fundamental changes in current drug research and development. The focus shifted towards targeted therapies aimed at the molecular causes of diseases. As a result, highly specific, less toxic, and less side-effect-laden drugs have been created.

During the conference, delegates presented and discussed topics within six specialised pharmaceutical areas: clinical and social pharmacy and pharmaceutical management; pharmacology and biomedical sciences; drug research and development; drug formulation and distribution systems; natural compounds and traditional medicine; and pharmaceutical analysis, biopharmaceutics and biosimilars. 

Sweden speeds green growth co-operation in central Việt Nam

Vietnamese students from FPT University and Duy Tân University in the central city of Đà Nẵng joined discussions between Swedish businesses and Vietnamese universities on sustainable transportation, green energy transformation, greening the heavy industry, bioeconomy and digitalisation at the Pioneer the Possible University Tour to Đà Nẵng – a platform for innovation and sustainability.

Pioneer the Possible roadshow, which was successful launched in Hà Nội, HCM City, Cần Thơ and An Giang, aims to share Swedish experiences related to the quadruple helix model.

The Pioneer the Possible University Tour, organised in collaboration by the Swedish Embassy and leading Swedish companies, focuses on innovation and sustainability through meaningful discussions regarding crucial issues among students and businesses.

Recognizing the great potential of university students in driving sustainable solutions, both now and in the future, Swedish ambassador to Việt Nam Ann Måwe highlighted Sweden's policies and strategies in its innovative and sustainable journey and how they relate to the ambition of Việt Nam’s Government.

"We are delighted to bring the Pioneer the Possible University Tour to Đà Nẵng for the first time. This event provides an opportunity for talented young Vietnamese in the city to engage in discussions about innovation and sustainability," noted the Ambassador of Sweden.

"By sharing our experiences and fostering collaborations and co-creation between Sweden and Việt Nam, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders who will pioneer positive change," she said.

“Pioneer the Possible” is a platform to share concrete experiences from Sweden’s quadruple helix model between the government, industry, academia and civil society in the efforts to become a fossil free welfare nation.

“We want to share this with Vietnamese policy makers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, universities, start-ups and innovators to engage in co-innovation and partnership.

“In recent years, Việt Nam has showed impressive progress in working towards a greener planet.  At the COP26, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính committed Việt Nam to become a net zero emission nation by 2050.

The Swedish ambassador added: “Việt Nam’s ‘National Climate Change Strategy to 2050’ proves that the government has honest ambitions and is willing to follow a strict road map to pursue actionable targets.

“The Việt Nam Just Energy Transition Partnership between Việt Nam and an International Partner Group of countries, comprising G7 countries and EU, and thereby Sweden, will support Vietnam to accelerate its transition away from coal as part of the country’s commitment to its 2050 net zero target and its Power Development Plan (PDP8).”

It is expected that this Partnership will be underpinned by clear plans to deliver a just energy transition and catalyse clean energy investment, offering Việt Nam the opportunity to become a world leader in renewable energy, the ambassador shared. 

Dr. Lê Nguyên Bảo, President of Duy Tân University, said: "We are honoured to host the Pioneer the Possible talk at Duy Tân University. As an institution committed to fostering innovation and sustainability, we believe this event will greatly benefit our lecturers and students and contribute to their academic and personal growth. We eagerly anticipate the valuable insights and experiences that will be shared, inspiring our people to create a sustainable future for all."

Speaking at the event, President of FPT University in Đà Nẵng Dr. Nguyễn Khắc Thành, said: “This event presents a fantastic opportunity for students to learn from Swedish experts in innovation, sustainability and technology. It will equip our students with the skills and inspiration to address global challenges and drive positive change in society."

"This initiative with team Sweden will surely contribute to and strengthen the partnership between Sweden and Đà Nẵng City at large."

Swedish companies, including ABB, Ericsson and Tetra Pak, shared discussions on digitalisation, sustainable transportation, green energy transformation, and circularity at the event.

About 70 Swedish companies are operating in Việt Nam, ranging from small to large, operating in sectors as diverse as IT and telecom, energy and electrification, manufacturing and services, packaging, industrial equipment, healthcare and consumer goods. 

Đà Nẵng has been building toward the goal of being a green and smart city in 2030. 

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes