The Green Economy Forum and Exhibition (GEFE) 2024 kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday, aiming to promote a green-focused economy and boost sustainable cooperation between Europe and Vietnam.

Jointly launched by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam), this year's theme is ‘Building a Green Future.’

Following previous success, the annual GEFE 2024 gathers stakeholders from businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations from Europe and Vietnam that engage in meaningful discussions and advocate for sustainable practices, policies, and initiatives.

The three-day GEFE 2024 will also bring together experts across sustainable businesses and governance for conferences, exhibitions, and high-level B2B and B2G dialogue sessions.

With over 8,000 attendees, the exhibition takes place at Thiskyhall Sala Convention Center in Thu Duc City, a district-level administrative unit of Ho Chi Minh City.

As part of the GEFE 2024, this year’s exhibition is attended by over 200 exhibitors, including 13 country pavilions, which present their projects, initiatives, and expertise regarding green growth and sustainable development.

The event is expected to have more than 30 discussion sessions covering multiple green themes, including the emerging green topics in Vietnam concerning EU market policies and standards.

As both sides wish to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the GEFE 2024 offers opportunities for Vietnamese and EU business communities to explore laws, regulations, mechanisms, policies, and standards to achieve green and sustainable development goals.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Alain Cany, co-chairman of the GEFE Organizing Committee and chairman of the Advisory Board of EuroCham Vietnam, praised the two countries' fruitful relationship.

Europe serves as a key market for Vietnamese exports, and in return, Vietnam is a growing market for European investment, he said.

Cany believed that GEFE can promote innovation, economic growth, and sustainability, expecting a successful and bright future through cooperation, coordination, and commitment via the green transition as both sides quickly achieve their goals.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, who is also the foreign minister, reaffirmed experiences like GEFE can assist both sides to strengthen collaboration while unlocking new opportunities for green investments.

The official believed in commitments to balance economic growth with environmental protection and stressed that the EU has become Vietnam’s key partner in this process.

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City administration Phan Van Mai said the southern hub continues to work toward the goal of cutting emissions by 10 percent by 2030 and is quickly restructuring its economy toward green growth and sustainable development.

Mai expected that Ho Chi Minh City would obtain additional information, experience, and resources following the GEFE 2024 to continue promoting green growth and sustainable development.

EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier remarked that the country is not only a key partner for Europe but also a cornerstone of the wider EU-ASEAN partnership.

Guerrier viewed GEFE 2024 as a prime opportunity for EU and Vietnamese stakeholders to engage directly, encouraging participants to build connections, gain inspiration from discussions, and share best practices.

He also lauded the value of the exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services, concluding that the event will foster meaningful exchanges and collaboration between the two regions.

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