Việtnam Reaffirms Commitment to Green and Digital Transition at 2025 Autumn Economic Forum

HCM City, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Tuesday underscored Việtnam’s resolve to open its markets and establish a comprehensive legal framework to attract green capital, advanced green technologies, and digital innovations from international partners.

Addressing the opening ceremony and plenary session of the 2025 Autumn Economic Forum in HCM City on November 26, the Prime Minister said the green transition had become an imperative in the digital era for the rapid and sustainable development of nations, businesses, and the global economy.

He outlined three core viewpoints guiding Việtnam’s transition strategy.

First, all development must place people and businesses at the centre, serving as the subjects, goals, and driving forces of progress. “Việtnam will never trade social progress, justice, environmental protection or social security for economic growth,” he stressed.

Second, Việt Nam remains a good friend, reliable partner, and responsible member of the international community. It is committed to rapid and sustainable development, net-zero emissions, and building a green development corridor.

Third, the transition must ultimately enhance the well-being, safety, and happiness of the population.

To realise these objectives, the Prime Minister said Việtnam is implementing institutional reforms, improving infrastructure, promoting smart governance, standardising administrative procedures, and strengthening international cooperation. The Government aims to create legal frameworks that support green and digital projects, while reducing compliance costs for people and businesses.

He highlighted the crucial importance of high-quality human resources and international cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, electronics, semiconductors, and quantum energy. Việt Nam seeks to revitalise traditional economic drivers like consumption, exports, and investment while advancing new growth engines including green growth, the digital economy, the creative economy, and the circular economy.

HCM City Party Secretary Trần Lưu Quang said the forum’s selection of HCM City underscores its ambition to become a pioneering model in green and digital transition, driving breakthrough development for the country. He noted the city aims to lead in smart urban development, technology-driven investment, and establishing an international financial centre.

“To achieve this, the city has identified institutional reform, comprehensive infrastructure development and high-quality human resources as essential priorities,” he said, expressing confidence that the forum would become a key platform connecting policymakers, experts, businesses, and researchers for a smarter, greener and more sustainable future.

Japan’s Ambassador to Việt Nam, Ito Naoki, conveyed a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, reiterating HCM City’s growing appeal as a manufacturing and consumer hub. He highlighted opportunities for deeper Việt Nam–Japan cooperation in supply chain resilience and industrial modernisation. Joint initiatives under the Asia Zero Emission Community, along with 15 major carbon-reduction projects worth approximately US$20 billion agreed in April, are expected to accelerate green transformation in Việt Nam.

UN Resident Coordinator Pauline Tamesis emphasised that digital transformation had emerged as a structural driver shaping economies and labour markets. She cautioned against widening disparities due to unequal access and stressed the need for inclusive policies. Findings from a joint UN–Government macroeconomic study show that investments in renewable energy, human capital, and digital and energy-efficient infrastructure significantly contribute to GDP growth, poverty reduction, and emissions reduction.

She reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to helping Việtnam achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, high-income status by 2045, and net-zero emissions by 2050.

Organised by the HCM City Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in collaboration with city authorities, central ministries, and the World Economic Forum, the three-day forum themed “Green Transformation in the Digital Era” runs from November 25 to 27, gathering more than 1,500 domestic and international delegates.