Chairing the sixth meeting of the National Steering Committee for implementing Vietnam’s commitments under COP26 on January 14, the Government chief said the net-zero goal presents major challenges but also opportunities to pursue sustainable development, build an independent and self-reliant economy, and deepen international integration.

Since the fifth meeting of the Steering Committee, ministries, sectors and relevant agencies have actively carried out assigned tasks and recorded important results.

These include restructuring the Steering Committee in line with the Government’s new organizational setup, and reviewing, supplementing and improving policies and laws, including Politburo Resolutions 57 and 70. The Government has submitted eight laws for National Assembly approval and issued 15 decrees and 16 resolutions and decisions related to implementing Vietnam’s COP26 commitments.

Ministries and local administrations have stepped up efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, piloted the allocation of emission quotas, and taken initial steps toward developing a domestic carbon market, including carbon credit trading.

Progress has also been made in transport electrification, green transport and green infrastructure development, renewable energy expansion, the energy transition, sustainable agriculture, and forest protection and development.

Other measures include improving disaster forecasting and early warning, strengthening climate adaptation, mobilising and effectively using green finance and green credit, accelerating both green and digital transitions, and expanding participation in international climate forums and strategic partnerships. Many businesses have also shifted toward green investment, clean technologies and low-emission models.

Concluding the meeting, PM Chinh reaffirmed the soundness of Vietnam’s strong commitment at COP26 to work toward net-zero emissions by 2050, praising the proactive and serious efforts of ministries, localities, the business community and the public. He said initial results have laid an important foundation for further progress toward the 2050 target.

He noted that climate change is becoming increasingly complex, with natural disasters causing severe and unpredictable impacts, underscoring the urgent need to move from awareness to action, from commitments to concrete results, with faster and more decisive responses.

The Government leader stressed that adapting to climate change and achieving net-zero emissions should be viewed not only as challenges but also as opportunities for sustainable national development. He said individuals and businesses must fulfil their responsibilities in climate action, adding that no one can be safe if others are not, and no country can be secure if its neighbours are not.

He called for continued improvements to the legal and institutional framework on climate change, consistent with Vietnam’s conditions and global developments. Priorities include policies to mobilise finance, building a national governance model for green and smart development, and developing human resources for green growth.

The PM also urged faster reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, early piloting of emission quota allocations, careful preparation for operating a domestic carbon market, accelerated transport electrification, further expansion of renewable energy, promotion of a just energy transition, development of green finance and credit, stronger disaster preparedness, and more active engagement in international climate negotiations.

Assigning specific tasks to relevant ministries and agencies, he emphasised that achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is not merely a pledge but an action-oriented commitment and a national political mission, requiring the concerted efforts of the entire political system, businesses and every citizen.

Vietnam backs ASEAN’s goal of net-zero emissions in agriculture by 2050: official

Vietnam fully supports the goal of achieving net-zero emissions in agriculture by 2050 and places great importance on ASEAN's strategy for carbon neutrality, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien told the 46th online meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF), held on October 24 under the chair of Myanmar.