Green Economy Forum and Exhibition 2024 focuses on building a green future

With the theme "Building a Green Future," the Green Economy Forum & Exhibition 2024 (GEFE 2024) will focus on the urgent need for action in response to the impacts of climate change as well as the development of a greener economy for Vietnam.

The event will feature nearly 30 seminars covering 10 green topics and a high-level opening session, with over 8,000 attendees from various sectors. The program includes B2B and B2G dialogues, providing participants with the opportunity to engage with both industry leaders and government officials. Student Day will be the highlight on the third day of the series of event, with the participation of nearly 2,000 students.

In his opening remarks, Chairman Bruno Jaspaert referred to the severe impacts of Typhoon Yagi, which caused extensive damage to 26 provinces and a high casualty toll. He emphasized climate change as both a looming threat and an urgent crisis requiring immediate and collective action.

"GEFE 2024 will serve as a vital platform to promote dialogue between government leaders, businesses, and international organizations in addressing the pressing realities of climate change. It is also a key meeting point for European companies to present their most advanced solutions, thereby helping Vietnam develop more sustainably in the future," Chairman Bruno Jaspaert added.

Julien Guerrier, Ambassador of the European Union to Vietnam, noted that GEFE is EuroCham's flagship event in Vietnam, aimed at promoting green and sustainable growth. The event also provides an opportunity for collaboration toward a greener future with pioneering European businesses in both the public and private sectors. After four years of implementation, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has played a significant role in reinforcing economic ties between Vietnam and the EU, creating numerous new opportunities for cooperation on both parties.

General Director Vu Ba Phu highlighted that over the span of 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the EU, both parties have witnessed rapid and profound development across various sectors, including politics, economy, trade, investment, development cooperation, as well as education and science and technology.

He added, "Trade relations are a crucial foundation for promoting political cooperation and other joint activities between the EU and Vietnam, with the aim of promoting mutual benefit. Before the EVFTA was signed, Vietnam-EU relations were on an upward trajectory, with bilateral trade steadily increasing. As of August 2024, the EU is Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner, whereas Vietnam has become the EU’s largest trading partner within ASEAN."

At GEFE 2024, discussions will center on key driving solutions for a sustainable future: climate resilience, digital transformation for green finance, and sustainable energy transition—crucial elements for Vietnam to achieve its Net-Zero target by 2050, as committed at COP26.

Alain Cany, Co-Chairman of GEFE and Chairman of the Advisory Board of EuroCham Vietnam, stated that GEFE 2024 will attract more than 200 participating businesses and exhibitors, including 24 companies from Vietnam, over 50 from the Netherlands, and 13 national pavilions.

During the press conference, EuroCham presented an overview of the Green Economy Forum & Exhibition 2024, which includes key themes to be discussed over the three-day seminar and related activities. EuroCham also responded to questions from the media regarding information related to the event.

The Green Economy Forum & Exhibition 2024 (GEFE 2024), co-organized by EuroCham and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, will take place from October 21 to October 23, 2024, at the Sala's THISO Skyhall Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to Dominik Meichle, Chairman of EuroCham, Vietnam is a top investment destination and a dynamic market with excellent growth prospects.

On April 8, the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) announced that Vietnam's Business Confidence Index (BCI) reached 52.8 in the first quarter of 2024. This marks the highest level since 2022, which signals increasing confidence among the European business community in Vietnam.

The BCI surveyed over 1,400 EuroCham members across various sectors, offering insights into the continuously evolving dynamics of the Southeast Asian market.

Chairman Dominik Meichle noted that this positive trend highlights the European business community's view of Vietnam as a dynamic market with exceptional growth potential.