Promoting Green Finance and Sustainable Agriculture in Vietnam
Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to Geneva is playing a pivotal role in bridging Vietnamese localities with international organizations. Minister Counsellor Cung Duc Han emphasized this commitment during a recent seminar focused on global trends in green finance and sustainable agriculture. Set against the backdrop of the COP26 framework, Vietnam is proactively implementing its commitments on emissions reduction, circular economy, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Bridging Localities and International Organizations
The mission aims to foster substantive cooperation in key sectors such as green finance and sustainable agriculture. By facilitating conversations between Vietnamese provinces and international bodies, the Permanent Mission seeks to enhance production capacities and help localities navigate the increasing environmental standards and traceability requirements in major markets.
A Gathering of Experts
The seminar, held on November 28, attracted a diverse group of international experts from organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the World Economic Forum (WEF). Representatives from Vietnam’s diverse provinces—including Nghe An, Hai Phong, Lam Dong, and others—gathered to explore practical solutions and share insights relevant to their local contexts.
Key Insights from International Speakers
During the event, international speakers provided valuable analyses on various fronts. Experts discussed global trade prospects and emphasized sustainability certifications, which are becoming indispensable in international markets. The WTO representatives spoke about the “greening” of trade and the necessity of transparency in agricultural supply chains.
The OECD highlighted that enhancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards could catalyze green investments in Vietnam. WEF specialists addressed critical issues like food security and recommended expanding climate-adaptive production models to combat the adverse impacts of climate change.
Sustainable Practices for Timber Products
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) officials pointed out that obtaining sustainable forest certification is essential for Vietnamese timber products aiming for access to high-quality markets. Such certifications not only enhance market access but also ensure that production adheres to sustainable practices.
Practical Recommendations for Localities
Experts from Switzerland’s financial community shared strategies for engaging private capital in regenerative agricultural projects. Their insights are particularly relevant for Vietnamese localities looking to design sustainable initiatives and attract investment.
Phung Thanh Vinh, Vice Chairman of Nghe An province, cited the seminar’s practical value in delivering insights aligned with the province’s unique advantages and green development goals. This sentiment was echoed by other local leaders.
Resilience Amidst Climate Change
Luong Thi Kiem, Deputy Director of the Hai Phong Department of Agriculture and Environment, articulated the city’s ambition to enhance international cooperation on green standards and environmental technologies. This aligns with increasing domestic and global demands for sustainable practices.
In contrast, Phan Quoc Son from Hue city expressed urgent concerns regarding the impacts of climate change, specifically natural disasters and flooding. He emphasized the necessity for international collaboration in climate risk management and disaster recovery strategies.
Prioritizing Sustainable Agriculture
The seminar illuminated the shared priorities among Vietnamese localities, especially concerning environmental management, compliance with green trade standards, and improved traceability. A strong focus emerged on climate-adaptive agriculture, highlighting the need for immediate action amid the rising occurrences of floods and natural disasters.
Local leaders expressed a collective desire for a harmonized policy framework promoting green agriculture. There was also a call for continued international support in terms of technology transfer and knowledge sharing.
Valuable Forum for Knowledge Exchange
Participants acknowledged the seminar as an invaluable platform for accessing international expertise, identifying potential partners, and exchanging experiences around green transformation. Many international organizations and Swiss companies showed keen interest in continuing collaborative efforts with Vietnamese localities.
Exhibition Showcasing Economic Potential
In addition to panel discussions, the Permanent Mission organized an exhibition showcasing vital information about Vietnam’s economic potential, key sectors, and investment opportunities. This initiative further reinforced Vietnam’s commitment to fostering global partnerships in green finance and sustainable agriculture.
This proactive engagement highlights Vietnam’s determination to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities posed by a rapidly changing global landscape, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable development.