(MPI) - Within the framework of the “Eco-industrial Park Intervention in Vietnam - Perspective from the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme” project, the conference on advancing circular economy in Vietnam’s industrial parks for sustainable development took place in Ho Chi Minh city on April 11.

Director of the Department of Economic Zones Management, Ministry of Planning and Investment Le Thanh Quan addresses the event. Photo: MPI

Le Thanh Quan, Director of the Department of Economic Zones Management under the MPI stated that Vietnam always recognises the significant role of industrial zones (IZs) and economic zones in the socio-economic development for more than 30 years of establishment and development, including the growth in the economy’s scale, job creation, enhanced competitiveness and income, acceleration of the industrialisation and modernization process, technological innovation, promotion of integration, and improvement of the country’s position in the global value chain.

The development of circular economy is being considered a trend and known as the green industrial revolution of the 21st century, and aligning with the country’s development direction in the upcoming period. In this context, the eco-industrial park (EIP) model is the driving force, which is a key element to enhance competitiveness and ensure sustainable development for each industrial zone, economic zone, locality and the entire economy.

Emphasising opportunities brought by the circular economy to promote sustainable development, Smail Alhilali, Head of the Circular Economy and Chemicals Management at UNIDO headquarter, mentioned that promoting circularity in industrial zones could help Vietnam not only reduce environmental impacts but also create chances for innovation and green growth, becoming a hub that brings economic benefits to the country.

Jerome Stucki, Head of Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency at UNIDO headquarter, emphasised UNIDO’s commitment to supporting sustainable production and consumption activities as outlined in the United Nations’2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through promoting circularity in the industry.

He also highlighted UNIDO’s role in providing policy and technical consultancy on the cleaner and more efficient use of resources, including materials, energy, and water, while promoting the implementation of the circular economy and business cooperation models in the development of EIPs.

At the conference, participants discussed the role of IZs in implementing circular economy principles and exchanged opportunities and challenges of integrating circular economy activities among different industries within IZs, as well as ways to link urban development goals through promoting industrial and urban symbiotic solutions./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment