The Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) 2024, held from Monday to Wednesday, is the largest event of the year aimed at fostering cooperation between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) in promoting green economic initiatives.

First hosted in Ho Chi Minh City in 2022, GEFE is meant to support Vietnam in meeting its COP26 commitments, made in Scotland in 2021, and achieving its socio-economic development goals.

Vietnam is committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

This year’s forum features seminars, high-level business-to-government (B2G) and business-to-business (B2B) dialogues, and an expo, bringing together experts and sustainable businesses from Vietnam and abroad.

The exhibition attracts over 200 exhibitors from 13 countries, showcasing products and solutions that align with Vietnam’s circular economy goals and efforts to reduce emissions.

The Netherlands, which is displaying the largest booth at GEFE 2024, has presented over 50 companies specializing in water management, logistics, agriculture, and sustainable business practices.

The UK, meanwhile, showcases 17 companies focusing on offshore wind, hydrogen energy, and energy storage, reflecting its strong interest in Vietnam's offshore wind potential.

France is also seeking to strengthen its role as a strategic partner in Vietnam's green transition, with both large and small firms in the energy and water sectors participating in roundtable discussions. 

Switzerland spotlights innovative architectural solutions for sustainable infrastructure development, with firms such as G8A Architecture & Urban Planning and staBOO taking the lead.

Swiss Ambassador Thomas Gass invited visitors to network with Swiss companies over coffee while attending various engaging discussions and activities.

As part of GEFE 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Trade's Trade Promotion Agency, in collaboration with the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, organized a Vietnam-Europe business networking conference, attracting nearly 80 leading companies from both regions.

Vu Ba Phu, head of the Trade Promotion Agency, stressed the importance of strengthening trade connections and supporting businesses in both Vietnam and the EU to explore opportunities for investment, collaboration, and technology transfer.

Phu noted that Vietnamese companies are increasingly integrated into European supply and production chains, with Vietnam becoming the largest exporter to the EU among ASEAN nations.

In the first half of 2024, Vietnam's exports to the EU reached US$24.7 billion, a 15.3-percent increase from the previous year, while imports from the grouping grossed $7.7 billion, up 8.5 percent from 2023.

The EU is Vietnam’s sixth-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), with 2,450 projects and cumulative investment exceeding €28 billion ($30.3 billion). 

Despite global FDI slowdowns, European businesses continue to explore and implement key investment projects in Vietnam.

Ulrich Weigl, head of the trade section at the European Union Delegation, highlighted the EU’s European Green Deal, a comprehensive policy framework aimed at achieving green transformation. 

However, he acknowledged that the new regulations could pose challenges for Vietnamese exporters.

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