International lessons for Vietnamese enterprises in green transition

This message was highlighted at the workshop “Green Transition and Development of High-Quality Human Resources in Manufacturing and Renewable Energy Sectors in Vietnam,” jointly organized by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) on the morning of September 16 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr. Thomas Skov-Hansen, Head of the Confederation of Danish Industry’s Representative Office in Southeast Asia, said that the European Union has placed sustainable development as a top priority through the European Green Deal. Beyond the legal framework, many European businesses have turned it into “a real business case.” In Denmark, sectors such as food, construction, transport, and furniture are undergoing comprehensive restructuring: from developing plant-based proteins, green buildings, and electric–hydrogen vehicles to designing certified sustainable products.

“The most important starting point is for businesses to fully understand their own impact and customer needs. When companies identify where they make the biggest impact both positive and negative, sustainability efforts will create the most tangible value,” Mr. Hansen emphasized.

This lesson is seen as highly relevant to Vietnam. Domestically, many businesses once viewed green transition as a cost burden. Ms. Bui Thi Ninh, Deputy Director of VCCI’s Ho Chi Minh City branch, noted that reality has shown the opposite: when companies boldly invest, they not only save costs but also enhance their reputation in the community. The case of Duc Thanh Wood Company is a prime example. Initially hesitant to install rooftop solar panels due to a factory relocation plan, the company’s leadership decided to invest after observing successful models. As a result, they cut around 5% of electricity costs while significantly reducing emissions. “The key factor for success is leadership commitment, when top management makes decisive choices, green solutions can be implemented quickly and effectively,” Ms. Ninh stressed.

Beyond financial issues, experts warn that a major challenge now lies in human resources. Mr. Vo Tan Thanh, Vice Chairman of VCCI, pointed out that manufacturing plants lack engineers and workers with knowledge of clean technologies and circular processes, while renewable energy projects require many highly skilled operation and maintenance specialists. This is the skills gap that Vietnam must swiftly address if it wants to seize opportunities from the green economy.

From another perspective, Ms. Tran Thi Lan Anh, Secretary General of VCCI, emphasized that the green transition cannot be separated from the human factor. She argued that a fair and inclusive working environment will maximize workers’ potential and lead to breakthrough innovations. According to the ILO, greening the economy could generate up to 24 million new jobs worldwide by 2030, particularly in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The challenge for Vietnam is how to ensure women and vulnerable worker groups gain greater access to opportunities in green industries, thereby promoting fairness and sustainability.

Drawing on international experience and local realities, Mr. Thomas Skov-Hansen suggested that Vietnamese businesses need to shift their mindset, seeing green transition as a competitive strategy, not just a compliance requirement. He also stressed the importance of prioritizing investments in sectors with the greatest environmental impact, while developing a high-quality, diverse workforce to meet new demands. Building connections with international initiatives and models, adapted to Vietnam’s context, will also be a critical step forward.

According to the World Bank, green jobs in Vietnam currently account for only 3.6% of total employment, with women playing a very limited role. Data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) shows that in 2024, the female labor force participation rate reached 63%, much lower than that of men (75%). Particularly concerning is the fact that only 17.1% of women hold senior and middle management positions, which means that women still have very little voice in strategic decision-making related to green production and renewable energy.

This situation highlights a critical gap in Vietnam’s green transition. While the shift toward sustainable production and renewable energy creates opportunities for innovation and competitiveness, the underrepresentation of women in both the workforce and leadership positions undermines inclusivity and limits the diversity of perspectives needed for breakthrough solutions. Expanding women’s participation in green industries is therefore considered both a social imperative and an economic necessity.