The forum brought together leading experts, foreign diplomatic representatives, specialized management agencies, and business leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of participating in the Net Zero process and the journey toward a green economy amid global recovery and stable development.

Speaking at the forum, Mr. Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, affirmed that Vietnam is committed to and vigorously acting to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This is an ambitious goal, and the journey to achieve it is full of challenges. As a major center of the country, Ho Chi Minh City is committed and will take the lead in this endeavor.

Mr. Phan Van Mai also emphasized that the city is determined to transform towards green and sustainable development in the coming years. In reality, the city has issued strategies and plans for green economic development, circular economy development, energy transition, and the development of sustainable urban areas adapted to climate change.

According to the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, at the end of 2022, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 31 regarding the development orientation of Ho Chi Minh City, and recently, the National Assembly issued Resolution No. 98 on the pilot mechanism and policies for the city's special development. These are crucial legal frameworks that will provide favorable conditions for Ho Chi Minh City to implement sustainable development goals and expedite the green transformation process.

Mr. Phan Van Mai mentioned that the city is currently reviewing and updating its planning, especially focusing on issuing policies to support and promote the energy, technology, production, and consumption transformation. These policies will prioritize supporting and boosting energy-efficient practices, renewable energy adoption, waste management with advanced technologies, and evaluating and implementing carbon credits in the Can Gio district, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030.

Net Zero by 2050, a commitment made by Vietnam at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), sets the stage for constructing a green and sustainable economy. For businesses, participating in the Net Zero process is expected to pose many challenges but also bring opportunities, especially when understanding the global and Vietnamese shift toward green practices.

In recent times, green economy has been identified as an essential path and highlighted in government strategies and plans, such as the National Green Growth Strategy for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, the National Action Plan on Green Growth for 2021-2030, and the Circular Economy Development Project. The overarching task is to promote scientific and technological development, innovation, and the transformation of economic models towards green, digital, and circular economies to further integrate into global supply chains. The process of transitioning to a low-emission economy will require active participation from all agencies, organizations, businesses, and citizens.

At the forum, experts also analyzed that Net Zero is both a responsibility and an opportunity for businesses. Those who commit early are expected to benefit by pioneering, and positioning their brands ahead of changing consumer preferences, new technologies, and emerging markets.

The proactive participation of the business community, especially the private sector, and consumers are expected to create a sustainable foundation for green growth. Therefore, the government and local authorities need innovative and creative policies to encourage community participation and raise awareness about green growth and sustainable development.

PV