Bruno Jaspaert, the new Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam delivered a speech at the press conference on Tuesday. — Photo courtesy of the organiser

The Green Economy Forum and Exhibition (GEFE) 2024 is coming to the THISO SkyHall in HCM City from October 21 to 23.

The event will be jointly held by European Chamber of Commerce in Việt Nam (EuroCham Vietnam), and the Việt Nam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).

With Việt Nam facing immediate and severe impacts of climate change, exemplified by the devastation from Typhoon Yagi - the strongest storm to strike the country in three decades - GEFE 2024 arrives at a crucial moment.

Speaking at the press conference to launch the event, Bruno Jaspaert, new Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam, said: “The storm displaced countless families and caused widespread destruction across 26 localities, serving as a stark reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat but an urgent crisis requiring immediate, collective action.

"GEFE 2024 will be a vital platform for fostering critical dialogue between Government leaders, businesses and international organisations to address the pressing realities of our changing climate. GEFE will also act as a platform for European companies to showcase their latest cutting edge solutions to make Việt Nam future proof,” said Jaspaert.

Director General of the VIETRADE Vũ Bá Phú, said: "Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has approved for the MoIT and the Eurocham to co-ogarnise the GEFE 2024, to strengthen connections, promote investment and trade cooperation between Europe and Việt Nam. This is also a practical initiative in the implementation process towards the National Growth Strategy proposed for the period of 2021-30."

At GEFE 2024, discussions will focus on critical themes driving meaningful solutions toward a sustainable future, for climate resilience, digitalisation, green finance and sustainable energy transitions, to name a few, all are key to Việt Nam’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050, as pledged at COP26.

Co-Chair of GEFE Organising Committee and EuroCham Vietnam Advisory Board Chairman Alain Cany, said: “These events not only fostered critical discussions but also established a collaborative spirit essential for addressing the climate crisis. As a vital platform for Europe-Việt Nam co-operation, GEFE 2024 is poised to deliver even greater insights and actionable solutions.”

With the theme of 'Building Green Futures', GEFE 2024 will highlight the urgent need for action in tackling the climate crisis and building a greener economy in Việt Nam. Over the course of three days, GEFE 2024 will feature ten green topics and deliver nearly 30 conference sessions. With more than 8,000 attendees expected from diverse sectors, including B2B and B2G dialogues, participants will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and government officials.

This year’s plenary and conference sessions will focus on accelerating the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), integrating sustainable energy solutions through Power Development Plan 8 (PDP8) and the implementation of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

Additional topics such as the Direct Power Purchase Agreements (DPPA), carbon pricing, climate and transition finance, regenerative farming systems, blue-green infrastructure (BGI) and innovative storm water management will bring actionable insights from both public and private sector leaders. — VNS