Many France companies participated at the Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) 2024 in HCM City. The companies committed to supporting Việt Nam's green growth and ambitious goal of achieving carbon net-zero emissions by 2050. — Photo Courtesy of French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Việt Nam

French businesses reiterated their commitment to supporting Việt Nam's green growth and ambitious goal of achieving carbon net-zero emissions by 2050 at the recently organised Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) 2024 in HCM City.

The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Việt Nam (CCIFV) brought together 15 exhibitors and 12 high-level speakers at the France Sequence, showcasing France's dedication to assisting Việt Nam.

"We are honoured to be a key connector, bringing together companies, ideas, and strategies that can contribute to Việt Nam’s green economy," said CCIFV President Thibaut Giroux.

During the event, companies unveiled their initiatives to collaborate with the Vietnamese Government and local businesses in reaching the net-zero emissions goal.

Artelia’s chairman, Benoit Clocheret, highlighted Artelia’s ambition to be a key player in Việt Nam’s path to Net Zero and expressed willingness to combine their French savoir-faire with local partnerships.

"Our low-carbon mobility solutions, successfully implemented in French cities, can be applied to urban areas in Việt Nam to reduce emissions. Since 2006, Artelia has brought our expertise to Việt Nam through various initiatives, including hydropower development and solar and wind energy projects across Southeast Asia. Artelia has been involved in HCM City’s Metro Line 1 project and hopefully in the Metro line 2 soon."

Michelin, renowned for its strong commitment to sustainability, shared its achievement of a 56 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions in Việt Nam in 2024 compared to the previous year.

With a budget of up to 1.2 billion euros (US$1.3 billion) allocated for research and development in 2023, Michelin is reinforcing its position as one of the world's leading innovative brands, and Michelin aims for over 40 per cent of the raw materials used to produce tires to be from renewable or recycled materials by 2030.

CMA CGM Group, firmly committed to the energy transition in shipping and a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, strongly affirmed its Net Zero Carbon target for 2050. In Việt Nam, the group recently launched its “Switch to E-Motorbike” programme for employees, promoting long-term e-mobility solutions.

Aden, with 25 years of experience in Việt Nam, expressed its excitement in partnering with Vietnamese companies eager to decarbonise their properties.

"We have always believed in Việt Nam’s potential and are excited to support its net-zero goals through collaboration," said a representative from Aden.

Other prominent companies such as Saint-Gobain, EDF, Air Liquide, and Total Energies also participated in the France Sequence, showcasing their expertise and reaffirming their commitment to helping Việt Nam achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

IDSUD Energies, a new player in Việt Nam, is committed to enhancing financial and operational sustainability through its expertise in solar photovoltaic plants. The company brings years of international experience to help Việt Nam's businesses transition to greener energy solutions.

Green Yellow, operating in Việt Nam since 2020, has significantly contributed to the renewable energy landscape. With a total investment of 103 million euros, Green Yellow has installed 1.2 million sq.m of photovoltaic panels, providing enough energy to power 8,300 homes annually and reducing CO2 emissions by 147,000 tonnes – the equivalent of planting 3.3 million trees.

HAD, a joint venture between Hyvity, a French company specialising in hydropower plant development, and Novasia, a pioneer in wind greenfield projects in Việt Nam, is actively collaborating with Vietnamese partners to develop renewable energy projects. This partnership underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing Việt Nam’s green energy transition. — VNS