Green Economy Forum & Exhibition 2024 to take place in October

As Vietnam faces the immediate and severe impacts of climate change, exemplified by the devastation of Super Typhoon Yagi – the strongest storm to strike the country in three decades – GEFE 2024 arrives at a crucial moment. At a press conference to announce GEFE 2024 on September 24, Bruno Jaspaert, the new chairman of EuroCham Vietnam, noted, “The storm displaced countless families and caused widespread destruction across 26 provinces, 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 Vietnam future proof.”

Vu Ba Phu, director general of Vietrade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), also emphasised, "The PM has approved for the MoIT and the EuroCham Vietnam to co-organise GEFE 2024, to strengthen connections, and promote investment and trade cooperation between Europe and Vietnam. This is also a practical initiative in the implementation process towards the national growth strategy."

At GEFE 2024, discussions will focus on critical themes driving meaningful solutions towards a sustainable future: climate resilience, digitalisation, green finance, and sustainable energy transitions, all of which are key to Vietnam’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

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 Vietnam. Over the course of three days, GEFE 2024 will feature 10 green topics and deliver nearly 30 conference sessions. With more than 8,000 attendees expected from diverse sectors, including business-to-business and business to government dialogues, participants will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and government officials.

With the active participation of EU states, alongside key contributions from Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, GEFE 2024 will stand as a testament to the strong Vietnam–Europe partnership, driving collective progress towards a greener, net-zero future. The involvement of high-level European representatives will enrich the dialogue with global perspectives and actionable insights, reinforcing the crucial role of the international community in supporting Vietnam’s green transition.

Julien Guerrier, EU Ambassador to Vietnam, stated, “GEFE is becoming an important event with a regional scope and ASEAN dimension. In that respect, I am glad to confirm that on top of many EU ambassadors’ presence, I will be honoured to be accompanied by the EU ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Surijo Seam, and representatives of EuroCham in the region. I am very much looking to GEFE in October. The EU-Vietnam partnership holds a wealth of opportunities for businesses on both sides. I reaffirm that we stand ready to support Vietnam in this period of transition to a greener future. Vietnam has a great potential to achieve it.”

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

Additional topics such as direct power purchase agreements, carbon pricing, climate and transition finance, regenerative farming systems, blue-green infrastructure, and innovative stormwater management will bring actionable insights from both public and private sector leaders.

The Green Economy Forum and Exhibition is expected to look at sustainable solutions in Vietnam to support the country in its net-zero emission path.

Nearly a dozen Norwegian companies are presenting their expertise and tech solutions to help promote a sustainable green economy in Vietnam.

Regional business executives of leading European corporations in various sectors met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the Green Economy Forum and Exhibition (GEFE) 2022 on November 28 in Ho Chi Minh City.