The economic growth rate of Vietnam in recent years has been quite high, however, it has not been associated with the sustainable use of resources and environmental protection. In order to transform the traditional economy (brown economy) to the green one, Vietnam needs to adopt appropriate policies.
Associate Professor Dr Phung Chi Sy, Director of the Center for Environmental Technology (under Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment) said that the green growth could be achieved thanks to savings of energy, material and water, reduction of labor costs, environmental costs in production and carbon dioxide emissions and use of environmentally friendly materials.
In terms of production, it is essential to improve efficiency of energy use, reduce energy consumption, put a limit on economic sectors generating a large amount of waste and causing environmental pollution and stimulate new green sectors.
It is clear that domestic businesses have difficulties in performing social responsibility relating to environmental protection, selecting green technologies, shifting to green production as well as abiding by legal provisions on environmental protection.
For example, solar energy projects require large areas, meanwhile land rent is high and electricity price which is VND2,000/kWh is low in comparison with electricity charge for businesses which is VND4,000/kWh. As a result, it is necessary to issue incentives on rent of land used for renewable energy projects and increase solar energy price.
With a view to promoting green growth, the government should promulgate appropriate policies to support, stimulate enterprises as well as to make them more aware of and participate in green economy and make green growth more popular in socio-economic life. The government should develop and carry out effectively action programs, plans on implementation of green growth strategy in accordance with appropriate process. Economic, technical and environmental standards should be developed and followed strictly in accordance with requirements of green growth in order to ensure sustainable development. It is also important to issue incentives for industries stimulating development and application of high technologies, use of renewable energy contributing to environmental protection and adapting to climate change; to reduce and gradually stop investing in industries using much natural resources, causing environmental pollution and failing to adapt to climate change.
By Office of Cleaner Production and Sustainable Production and Consumption
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