On June 18, 2025, National Economics University (NEU), in collaboration with the Power and Energy Working Group of the Vietnam Business Forum (VBF), organized the “Made in Vietnam Energy” seminar and launched the publication “Made in Vietnam Energy Plan 4.0” to promote stakeholder dialogue and help shape the future of Vietnam’s clean energy sector.

An overview of the seminar

External delegates attending the seminar included Dr. Nguyen Hai Nam, Standing Member of the National Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee; Sunita Dubey, GEAPP Country Representative in Vietnam; Agnes Dasewwicz, Investment Director, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (via video); Stuart Livesey, member of the leadership of the Power and Energy Working Group (PEWG – VBF); John Rockhold, Head of the Power and Energy Working Group; Kojima Masao, Chairman of the Banking Working Group (BWG – MUFG); Nguyen Anh Dung, Energy Transition Expert, The Asia Foundation; Le Thi Thoa, Senior Energy Advisor, Energy Support Programme, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ); Dr. Nguyen Linh Dan, Director of the Energy Management academic program at Hanoi University of Science and Technology; Dr. Dinh Tuan Minh, Project Research Team Leader and Director of the Center for Market Solutions for Economic and Social Issues; Nguyen Huong Giang, Project Research Team Leader and Partner at YKVN; Nguyen Quang Trung, Project Research Team Leader and Deputy General Director of VATEC Energy Consulting Co., Ltd.; representatives of the National Assembly’s Economic Committee, the Central Policy and Strategy Commission, and relevant ministries, sectors, departments and agencies; embassies; representatives of working groups under the Vietnam Business Forum (VBF), research institutes and universities; business leaders; development organizations and international experts; representatives of national chambers of commerce and industry; international organizations; and foreign investors.

Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc Truong, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies; along with representatives of the leadership of the University’s schools, departments, faculties, institutes and centers, researchers, faculty and staff, and students.

The seminar was part of the project Enhancing the Ability to Attract Investment Capital into Vietnam’s Clean Energy Sector, funded by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and jointly implemented by NEU, The Asia Foundation (TAF), and Pacific Rim Investment & Management (PRIM). The seminar marked an important step toward aligning Vietnam’s energy development goals with its economic development strategies and national commitments to combat climate change.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, delivers the opening remarks at the seminar

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, stated: “In Vietnam, energy for production—including electricity, heat and industrial fuels—is not only a foundation for economic growth but also a lever for achieving our sustainable development goals. However, this sector faces numerous challenges, including energy security, fluctuations in input prices, pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the transition to green growth.”

Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu emphasized that, in the pioneering spirit of a national key university, NEU has been expanding its research, education and policy advisory activities in energy economics, resource management and the green transition. Notably, the University is implementing an academic program in Energy Economics and Management to provide highly qualified human resources for the sector—a field that needs substantial transformation to adapt to the era of green transition and digital transformation.

The Vice President of NEU expressed his hope that the seminar would not only provide a platform for sharing knowledge but also open up practical opportunities for cooperation in policymaking, clean technology supply chain development, and education, helping to create a sustainable production energy ecosystem in Vietnam.

On behalf of the University’s leadership, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu thanked the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies and acknowledged its positive contributions. He commended the Faculty’s role as a focal point for connecting international partners, conducting numerous research activities, and organizing specialized conferences on current global issues, including the energy and sustainable development topics discussed in today’s program.

Dr. Nguyen Hai Nam, Standing Member of the National Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee, delivers remarks

According to Dr. Nguyen Hai Nam, the rapid development of the digital economy, artificial intelligence and other fields requires a large supply of electricity. For sustainable development, however, attracting and diversifying investment flows into renewable energy will help unlock resources to the fullest extent, toward the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

To achieve these goals, Dr. Nguyen Hai Nam said that energy development requires cooperation and a balance of interests among three stakeholders: the State, investors and businesses. Accordingly, legal regulations will continue to be reviewed and amended in the coming period to simplify administrative procedures and minimize compliance time and costs, among other measures.

Sunita Dubey, GEAPP Country Representative in Vietnam, delivers remarks

Sunita Dubey, GEAPP Country Representative in Vietnam, emphasized: “Vietnam has clearly demonstrated its strong ambition for an energy transition toward green, clean development that leaves no one behind. This seminar demonstrates the power of collaboration in promoting the investment and policy reforms needed to build a sustainable, people-centered future. We are proud to work alongside our partners in a shared effort to advance Vietnam’s clean energy transition.”

Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc Truong, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies, shares insights on Energy and the Green Economy: Toward a Sustainable Growth Model in Vietnam

Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc Truong, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies, shared: “We aim to develop a roadmap that not only secures a sustainable energy future for Vietnam but also enhances the country’s competitiveness in the global clean energy sector.”

The seminar also saw the launch of the “Made in Vietnam Energy 4.0” report (MVEP 4.0), marking an important milestone in Vietnam’s energy transition. The report presents a long-term vision, a medium-term policy framework, and practical short-term solutions to advance Vietnam’s clean energy transition. It emphasizes enhancing national competitiveness, removing administrative and legal barriers to attracting investment, and building a stable, low-emission electricity sector with affordable prices.

Vietnam’s renewable energy sector has grown strongly, with ambitious targets for wind, solar and rooftop solar power in the coming decades. The revised Power Development Plan VIII aims for renewable energy, excluding hydropower, to account for up to 36% of total installed capacity by 2030 and up to 75% by 2050, with offshore wind power alone expected to reach 139 GW by mid-century. However, achieving these targets requires Vietnam to adopt strong supporting policies and a transparent legal framework, and to mobilize substantial investment from the private sector and international sources.

Speakers deliver presentations at the seminar

A roundtable discussion featuring the speakers

Speaking at the seminar, Kitty Bu, GEAPP Vice President for Southeast Asia, emphasized the broader significance of Vietnam’s clean energy efforts: “Vietnam’s clean energy journey is gradually becoming a model for Southeast Asia. As countries in the region race to meet their climate and energy goals, Vietnam is demonstrating that strategic planning, cross-sector dialogue and credible policy design can drive rapid progress. Today’s dialogue has elevated the regional discussion, turning ambition into action and vision into results.”

Also at the seminar, many experts recommended that Vietnam further develop its green bond market to support renewable energy. The market’s potential remains untapped because of concerns about the risks associated with green projects. Vietnam should therefore consider introducing specific regulations on ‘green’ criteria to make it easier for projects to access financial resources.

Some images from the seminar:

Article and photos: Department of Communications

News agencies and media outlets reporting on the seminar:

Hanoi Television

Lao Dong: Removing legal barriers to attract billions of dollars in capital to the renewable energy sector

Vneconomy: Removing legal bottlenecks to pave the way for investors in renewable energy

People’s Deputies: National Economics University releases the publication “Made in Vietnam Energy Plan 4.0”

CafeF: Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc Truong: “A pair of Nike shoes costs USD 200, but Vietnam receives only about USD 15 while bearing very high environmental costs”

Finance Magazine: Unlocking potential and attracting investment capital for renewable energy

Education & Times: Advancing Vietnam’s clean energy transition journey

Enterprise and Investment Magazine: Proposing solutions to attract investment capital for renewable energy

Corporate Finance Magazine: Developing renewable energy: Diversifying investment capital flows and ensuring balanced interests

Industry and Trade Magazine: Strengthening policies to attract investment in clean energy production

Enterprise & Green Economy Magazine: Removing legal bottlenecks so renewable energy can “take off”

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.