Hanoi, January 14, 2026 – The Europe Today: Achieving the net-zero emissions target presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Việtnam to pursue sustainable development, build an independent and self-reliant economy, and deepen international integration, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính said on Wednesday.
Concluding the sixth meeting of the National Steering Committee for implementing Việt Nam’s commitments made at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26), Prime Minister Chính, who also heads the Steering Committee, reaffirmed the correctness of Việt Nam’s strong pledge to work jointly with the international community toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
He acknowledged and appreciated the proactive and serious efforts of ministries, sectors, localities, the business community and the public in implementing Việt Nam’s COP26 commitments over the past period, noting that initial results have laid an important foundation for achieving the 2050 net-zero target.
The Prime Minister noted that ministries, sectors, localities and enterprises have actively promoted digital transformation, green transition, development of a low-carbon and circular economy, and energy transition. He said the timely institutionalisation and integration of COP26 commitments into the legal system, policies and strategies have created a solid legal foundation for greenhouse gas emission reduction, green growth and climate change adaptation.
According to PM Chính, Việt Nam has increasingly become a reliable and attractive destination, drawing the attention of international organisations, financial institutions and investors in green development and energy transition. Numerous reputable global corporations have explored cooperation opportunities in renewable energy, emission reduction projects and carbon credit creation.
He said cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding between Vietnamese enterprises and international financial and credit institutions have been signed and gradually implemented, mobilising resources to support green transition and the fulfilment of COP26 commitments.
The Prime Minister also noted rising public and business awareness and responsibility in environmental protection and climate change response, reflected in priorities such as green consumption, tree planting, forest protection, use of clean energy, proactive disaster preparedness, and the promotion of education and scientific research.
At the same time, PM Chính candidly pointed out shortcomings and limitations, including slower-than-expected progress in some tasks and projects under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) frameworks, particularly in mobilising international resources. He said the implementation of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) remains unsynchronised, while the domestication of international commitments in certain sectors has been slow.
He stressed that climate change is becoming increasingly complex, with natural disasters causing severe and unpredictable impacts, underscoring the urgent need to shift from awareness to action and from commitments to tangible results.
The Prime Minister urged the Steering Committee to fully grasp the viewpoint that climate change adaptation and net-zero emissions are not only challenges but also drivers for sustainable national development and economic resilience.
“Achieving both high growth and emission reduction is a challenge but also a driver of innovation, leveraging internal strength alongside international financial, technological and knowledge resources to generate substantive progress in green development and carbon neutrality,” he said.
He emphasised that people and businesses must remain at the centre of climate action, serving as key actors, objectives, drivers and resources, stressing that no one is safe if others are unsafe and no country is secure if another is vulnerable to climate change.
PM Chính called for continued improvement of institutions related to climate change response, aligned with Việt Nam’s conditions and harmonised with global regulations and trends. He urged stakeholders to focus on mobilising finance, absorbing advanced technologies for green development, building national governance models for green and smart growth, and developing human resources for the green economy.
The Prime Minister directed ministries to accelerate greenhouse gas emission reductions, pilot emission quota allocation and implement NDCs. He assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, to pilot quota allocation for coal-fired power plants and iron, steel and cement production facilities following approval of total emission quotas for 2025–2026. He also instructed the urgent completion of the draft NDC for the 2026–2035 period.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Construction were tasked with updating guidelines for facility-level greenhouse gas inventories and monitoring quota compliance.
PM Chính further directed efforts to expedite preparations for the operation of the domestic carbon market and the exchange of emission reduction outcomes and carbon credits. Provincial and municipal authorities were instructed to lead in developing electric and green public transport systems and policies supporting the transition to clean energy vehicles.
He also called for accelerating transport electrification, developing green transport and infrastructure, expanding renewable energy and effectively implementing the Politburo’s Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW on energy transition.
On green finance and credit, the Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Finance to coordinate with the State Bank of Việt Nam to assess financial needs and revise mechanisms to promote energy transition projects. The central bank was directed to finalise interest rate support regulations for green projects and guide credit institutions to prioritise financing for green sectors.
He also stressed the importance of enhancing disaster forecasting and early warning systems, strengthening scientific and technological applications in climate monitoring, and promoting proactive climate diplomacy.
“Bringing Việt Nam to net-zero emissions by 2050 is not merely a promise but a commitment to action — a political mission of the nation and a responsibility of the entire political system, the business community and every citizen,” Prime Minister Chính concluded.
