Vietnam prioritizes climate-friendly cooling technology

The meeting took place during a workshop hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to mark International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on September 16.

The Multilateral Fund is the financial mechanism of the Montreal Protocol, which seeks to manage and phase out ozone-depleting substances. To date, the Fund has provided more than USD 4 billion to support over 150 countries in eliminating controlled substances through policy development, capacity building, and technology transfer. A distinctive feature of the Fund's approach is its direct support to private enterprises, both financially and technologically, as countries implement the Protocol. This is considered a key factor in the treaty’s global success.

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh noted that the Montreal Protocol remains one of the most successful international environmental treaties thanks to coordinated, evidence-based action and the collective effort of all nations. He expressed hope that lessons from the Vienna Convention could be applied to other global challenges, including climate change and plastic pollution.

The Deputy Minister praised the Multilateral Fund’s financial mechanism for directly supporting private enterprises, which has been a stumbling block for many other environmental agreements, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He stressed that with an open economy and trade balance double its GDP, Vietnam has committed to and is implementing a wide range of measures to strengthen environmental standards for its exports.

On the topic of cooling, Thanh emphasized that it is no longer a luxury but an essential part of modern life. He underlined the need to promote cooling technologies that are both environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, while remaining affordable to ensure broad access. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is currently advising the government on policies to integrate clean technology not only into production but also into everyday life, with a priority on energy-saving and climate-friendly cooling solutions.

Vietnam is now carrying out the "Strengthening Capacity to Implement the Montreal Protocol" project, the "HCFC Phase-out Management Plan Stage III," and the "HFC Phase-down Plan Stage I" (collectively known as the SMS-MP Project) in collaboration with the World Bank and UNEP. Deputy Minister Thanh requested the Fund’s continued support for these projects, particularly the SMS-MP, as well as for the overall implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment in Vietnam. He also called for greater assistance in helping Vietnam access new financial mechanisms for energy efficiency, lifecycle management, and sustainable cooling projects, thereby advancing both ozone protection and climate goals.

In response, Tina Chondraki Birmpili reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the Fund and Vietnam. She said the Fund has approved 93 projects for Vietnam with a total budget of USD 30 million, with more projects to be rolled out through 2026. She noted that Vietnam’s HFC Phase-down Plan Stage I will provide valuable lessons to help other countries in the region design and implement similar plans.

Recently, the Fund has financed projects that combine energy efficiency with HFC phase-down efforts. These initiatives are expected to generate significant financial benefits for both governments and consumers, particularly in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sectors. Looking ahead, the focus will be on developing solutions for managing the lifecycle of refrigerants.

Ms. Birmpili also commended Vietnam’s achievements in managing and phasing out controlled substances. She pointed out that Vietnam was among the first countries to have its plan for phasing out greenhouse gas-emitting coolants approved, and confirmed that the Fund will continue to work closely with Vietnam to ensure successful implementation.

Vietnam has emerged as a regional leader in fulfilling its commitments. Since ratifying the Montreal Protocol in 1994, the country has completely phased out major controlled substances ahead of schedule, transitioned industries to safer alternatives, and integrated ozone protection into broader climate policies.

With 93 projects worth USD 30 million already approved, Vietnam is not only safeguarding the ozone layer but also pioneering sustainable cooling solutions under the Kigali Amendment. Its proactive approach is viewed as a model for Southeast Asia in linking ozone protection with energy efficiency and climate action.