HCM CITY — HCM City has chosen green growth as its future development strategy to achieve economic prosperity and environmental sustainability, a city leader has said.

Speaking at a forum on resolving obstacles to promote green economy in HCM City on December 6, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyễn Văn Dũng affirmed that the city is finalising its strategic framework for green growth for 2030, with a vision to 2050.

The framework encompasses four main aspects: developing green resources, building green infrastructure, fostering green behaviours, and identifying leading sectors and fields.

To achieve this, the city will focus on three major pillars. The first is the legal framework, Dũng said, adding that the city is developing nearly 80 programmes, projects, strategies, and policies to promote green production in all fields.

The second pillar is the establishment of measurable criteria across sectors such as production, business, consumption, tourism, industry, agriculture, and services. This will enable each factory, company and household to measure emissions and make necessary adjustments.

The final pillar involves developing model initiatives such as turning Cần Giờ District into the first green locality, green factories, green buildings, green hospitals, and green schools.

"Building a green economy and a circular economy is an inevitable choice to meet economic growth needs while ensuring a healthy living environment for the city's residents, contributing to sustainable development. This approach aligns perfectly with the orientations set forth by the 13th National Party Congress and the goals of the 11th Party Congress of HCM City," Dũng emphasised.

He also noted that the city has recently issued an Action Plan for Green Growth for the 2024–30 period to promote green growth, sustainable development, a circular economy, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and climate change adaptation, while contributing to poverty alleviation and driving sustainable economic growth.

Dũng and experts at the forum agreed that the green economy has become a dynamic sector, attracting the participation of many investors, businesses, and the general public. While the green growth process is seen as having many advantages, it also faces challenges, particularly regarding regulatory and legal frameworks for mechanisms and policies.

At the forum, experts proposed various solutions to promote green production, renewable energy, urban and industrial waste management, and address obstacles in green finance, a crucial resource for sustainable businesses.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Hồng Quân, director of the Institute for Circular Economy Development at Vietnam National University - HCM City, said the circular economy not only brings economic benefits but also contributes positively to the sustainable development of society and the environment.

Building and improving the legal framework and supportive policies along with implementing awareness-raising programmes will create favourable conditions for businesses and the community to jointly develop effective circular economy models. In particular, cooperation with international organisations will help Việt Nam access the latest technologies and experiences in this field, Quân said. — VNS