Green - Cycle - Emission Reduction, three keywords of the HEF 2023

On May 11, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs and Ho Chi Minh City Business Association held a press conference to inform the 4^th Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum in 2023 (HEF 2023).

According to Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Business Association Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, green growth, sustainable development, and circular economy are inevitable world trends. Promoting green growth creates the great potential to achieve sustainable development for all countries, helping economic development without following the path of "pollution first, treat later". This is a trend but also a challenge for a developing country like Vietnam.

In Vietnam, the green growth program is concretized through the "National Green Growth Strategy for 2021-2030, vision towards 2050". The strategy affirms that green growth helps to use natural resources effectively, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, respond to climate change, contribute to poverty alleviation, and create a driving force for economic growth in a sustainable way.

In addition, HEF creates opportunities for businesses to receive information and share practical experiences from home and abroad on green development. Also, there is an opportunity to propose recommendations and solutions to authorities at all levels to remove difficulties so businesses can accompany the City in growth toward the set goals.

The information shows that enterprises from other countries actively implement green transformation, meeting the requirements of some markets, so they do not face difficulties when the global economy fluctuates.

"Recently, green development, gradual green growth is a mandatory criterion for businesses to penetrate deeper and fully integrate with the world. With the theme of 2023, businesses hope to contribute to this growth journey," said Mr. Hoa.

According to Mr. Hoa, as an economic, scientific, and technological center, a gateway for international exchanges of the whole country, leaders of Ho Chi Minh City have approved the implementation plan of the "Ho Chi Minh City Green Growth Strategy towards Sustainable Development until 2030”.

HEF 2023 revolves around six main topics: Green growth and circular economy development trends for megacities like Ho Chi Minh City; Building the ecosystem of the circular economy model in the context of aiming to reduce emissions to zero; Policies in building green growth towards the goal of zero emission reduction and corporate mission; Resources in circular economy development towards the goal of zero emission reduction and corporate mission; Lessons and international experiences to promote green growth and circular economy; The current situation of Ho Chi Minh City and solutions in the process of applying the green growth model.

It is expected that the HEF 2023 will have the participation of the Prime Minister, leaders of Vietnamese ministries and branches, and nearly 1,200 to 1,500 delegates, including international financial institutions (World Bank, IMF, IFC, ADB...), international organizations such as the World Economic Forum (WEF), regulators and leaders of foreign localities from 21 countries, representatives of diplomatic missions, consular offices, domestic and foreign enterprises, domestic experts and experts in successful countries in the field of green economy, circular economy...

Mr. Le Truong Duy, the representative of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City, said that within HEF 2023's framework, there would be a meeting between the leaders of Ho Chi Minh City and 100 leading CEOs right at the headquarters of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, from which to contribute ideas and solutions for Ho Chi Minh City to have green development and sustainable growth.

HEF is an annual international event hosted by the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, intending to receive contributions from national and international speakers and experts on the issues of the City's general socio-economic development and key schemes, goals, and programs.

Through frank discussions, the city has gained a comprehensive insight into the current status and green growth trends towards sustainable development in the world, especially lessons learned and feasibility recommendations that can be applied to city practice.

The first Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum was held in 2018 with the theme "Creating an Innovative and Interactive City - The driving role of Business". It has made an impression on friends worldwide, affirming the City's organizational capacity, determination, and demand to understand innovative urban construction models.

In 2019, the Ho Chi Minh Economic Forum, with the theme "Develop Ho Chi Minh City into a regional and international financial center", was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. By 2022, Ho Chi Minh City will organize the 3rd HEF with the theme "Digital Economy: Growth Engine and Future Development of Ho Chi Minh City".