Green, clean energy to sustain economic growth

Speaking at the panel discussion “Sharpening Strategic Pillars for Global Reach” within the Vietnam Private Sector Forum (VPSF) 2025 on September 15 in Hanoi, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long praised the open and direct dialogue between government agencies and the business community. He noted that many exchanges focused on green growth and sustainable development.

Vietnam has made strong commitments to its Net Zero target, along with strategies, policies and breakthrough plans. Deputy Minister Long stressed that green development is now a key foundation for expanding international markets.

In recent years, major resolutions have been adopted, including Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW on ensuring national energy security through 2030 with a vision to 2045. He called it a timely milestone for the energy sector.

According to the Deputy Minister, energy plays a decisive role in ensuring economic growth. With this year’s target of over 8% GDP growth and ambitions for double-digit growth over the next five years, the energy sector must increase capacity by 1.2-1.5 times its current level.

He affirmed that the Government and the Ministry of Industry and Trade are determined to issue breakthrough policies under Resolution No. 70 to promote investment and development of green, clean and sustainable energy. Policies will be revised to broaden participation and create maximum opportunities for businesses, focusing on wind and solar power.

Deputy Minister Long said one key direction is to restart the Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 nuclear power projects, with favorable conditions for capable domestic firms to join. At the same time, offshore wind is identified as a breakthrough field. The first project is being developed by PetroVietnam with a capacity of 2,000 kW. In recent months, many major enterprises have proactively engaged in line with Resolution No. 68, even volunteering to register for all remaining capacity.

With Resolutions No. 57 and No. 68 recently issued, Vietnamese enterprises are now able to manufacture turbines and fully master 100% of the technology. Once the market reaches sufficient scale, domestic production is entirely feasible, reducing reliance on imports.

“This is a huge, attractive market that can evolve into an offshore wind industry and services cluster, creating hundreds of thousands of green jobs,” Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long said. “Along with that, we will build offshore wind service hubs and green industrial parks in potential localities, consistent with Resolution No. 70. Such renewable energy-based industrial parks will enjoy superior competitive advantages.”

Supporting enterprises in trade and investment

On trade, the Deputy Minister cited the UK as an example of rapid market expansion for Vietnamese agricultural products. Within a short period, many items have entered major supermarket chains, instead of only appearing in small community stores as before. He also praised Vietnamese enterprises’ proactive approach.

In wood and furniture exports, firms have built agent networks and distribution chains, maintaining a strong and sustainable presence for Vietnamese products. These achievements reflect the growing capability of local enterprises.

Prime Minister Long also emphasized the need to change trade promotion methods: “In the UK, Germany and many other countries, trade fairs are organized professionally, with participation fees. Vietnam should focus on major, professional events rather than spreading efforts across many small activities.”

Following the Prime Minister’s directive, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is working with localities to redesign the National Trade Promotion Program. However, he stressed, reform must also come from businesses themselves: “If enterprises are not proactive, efforts by state agencies, trade offices or embassies can only provide limited support.”

The Deputy Minister said the opening of the National Exhibition and Fair Center is a milestone for a major exporting nation like Vietnam, enabling domestic enterprises to showcase products and making Vietnam a regional trade hub.

In international cooperation, Vietnam has established numerous intergovernmental economic committees and trade forums, but Vietnamese enterprise participation remains limited, while foreign partners often invite businesses to attend. This, he said, is an issue that requires attention, as Vietnamese firms need opportunities for presence and connection abroad.

“The Ministry of Industry and Trade currently has nearly 90 units overseas, including trade offices, branches and promotion centers. These are always ready to support and cooperate with enterprises, especially SMEs and micro-businesses, in promotion and partner search,” Prime Minister Long said.

He stressed that one of the most important tasks assigned by the Government is to remove bottlenecks, resolve difficulties and develop appropriate policies. This process requires participation and input from the business community, since the ultimate goal of policy is to serve enterprises. Consultations and feedback are therefore essential.

During September 15-16, the Vietnam Private Sector Forum (VPSF) 2025, chaired by the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association, took place in Hanoi with the participation of government leaders, ministries, local authorities, and more than 1,500 entrepreneurs, experts and international organizations.