Nordic countries share experience in circular economy development
VOV.VN - Diplomats and experts from Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark shared their own experiences in developing the circular economy and managing waste at a seminar recently held in Hanoi.
Representatives of several Nordic organisations and companies, including Elextrolux of Sweden, Valmet of Finland, Sintef and Tomra of Norway, and Gehl Architects of Denmark, also participated in the seminar.
Delegates discussed their circular business model along with their various commitments to increasing recycling, as well as reducing waste and carbon emissions during operations.
They emphasised that skill upgrades, financial improvements, technology application, as well as a favourable regulatory environment represent the key to making the most of the green transition and unlocking Vietnam’s full potential moving forward.
For the Nordic countries, the circular economy is an effective tool for achieving sustainable development goals, combating climate change, conserving natural resources, and improving the environment, said Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam Keijo Norvanto.
The model will also help to create more jobs, promote further economic growth, and contribute to the general welfare of society as a whole, he added.
Furthermore, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken underlined the importance of the private sector in promoting green solutions, stating that in Norway the private sector’s innovative solutions have resulted in significant improvements in waste management and plastic pollution reduction.
Once the Government puts the right regulations and incentives in place then it will greatly help to unleash the potential of the private sector, thereby accelerating the green transition process, she suggested.
Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolai Prytz also expressed his country’s keen desire to share knowledge and experience with the Vietnamese side.
Denmark believes that sharing both experience and good practices with partners can be a key factor in advancing sustainable development, he said.
Assoc. Prof. & Dr. Duong Trung Y, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, acknowledged the importance of international cooperation as part of efforts to develop a green, circular economy model in Vietnam.
With the country committed to transitioning to a greener and low carbon economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be viewed as the right time to incorporate the circular economy towards efficiently managing resources, limiting emissions and waste, as well as regenerating the environment, he said.
He went on to affirm that learning from other international experiences, including those of the Nordic countries, will help Vietnam to devise more policy suggestions which are suitable to the country’s actual conditions and develop a strong economy.
The Nordic region has introduced several policies and initiatives to encourage sustainable development.
Denmark has implemented a green transition strategy, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 from the levels seen in 1990 and reach net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.
Finland became the first country in the world to develop a national roadmap towards achieving a circular economy in the 2016 -2025 period, pledging to reduce waste generation and promote the reuse of materials.
Along with this, Norway is now launching a green platform initiative aimed at accelerating its transition, creating more jobs, increasing exports, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Meanwhile, Sweden has set ambitious goals for sustainability, including going fossil fuel-free and using 100% renewable energy by 2045.