• Mr. Trinh Quoc Vu, Deputy Director General, Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade
• Mr. Nguyen Hong Quan, Head of the Institute for Circular Economy Development, National University of Ho Chi Minh City
• Colleagues from enterprises, industries, and experts,

Ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon and a warm welcome to this consultation workshop on promoting sustainable consumption and production, circular economy and eco-design in Viet Nam. I am delighted to see such a diverse and engaged group of participants gathered here today to share and contribute to an important topic for sustainable production and consumption, circular economy. Viet Nam has experienced remarkable economic growth in the last decades, boasting an impressive growth rate of 6.79 to 8.02 percent from 2000 to 2022. As we confront the pressing issues of climate change, resource scarcity, and pollution, the circular economy has emerged as a powerful solution to address the challenges posed by traditional linear economic models.  

Eco-design, which encompasses principles of sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental consciousness, is a powerful tool in achieving this balance. 80% of environmental impact can be identified at the design stage, therefore by integrating eco-design practices, we can reduce our environmental footprints while simultaneously improving our competitiveness and marketability.

Colleagues,
Since 2019, UNDP’s Circular Economy Portfolio has strengthened our supports to accelerate circular economy in Viet Nam, from policy advisory, innovation, to supporting businesses and transforming cities and provinces. In 2021, the Viet Nam Circular Economy Hub was launched officially, delivered many capacity building programs for businesses, curated hundreds of latest need-to-know science and showcases from leading actors and communities in the fields of circular economy policy, research, investment and education. 

Just few weeks ago, UNDP has launched a project "Accelerate Circular Economy for Business” (ACE-Biz project), which aims to support the transformation of businesses towards circularity. The project will be implemented by UNDP and the government partners, including the MOIT, MONRE as well as private sector partners and academia. We hope this project could play an important role in contributing to the successful implementation of Decision 889/QD-TTg on sustainable production and consumption.

Colleagues,
Today's workshop has the presence of policymakers, industry representatives, experts, scientists, environmentalists, therefore this is a great opportunity for exchange, and I would like to raise few points for discussion:
Firstly, what is the status of eco-design policy in Viet Nam. As the entry point, there are eco-label policy, energy label scheme for products, national action plan on sustainable production and consumption etc., so what is needed further from legal framework point of view. 

Secondly, there is a need identify incentives for business to apply eco-design. It could be better opportunities to participate in global supply chain, higher chance of access to finance, or some advantages in EPR implementation. 

Thirdly, we might need to discuss about awareness and capacity of Vietnamese businesses in applying eco-design. Is there a need to organize more training and awareness raising in the upcoming time? 

I hope by the end of this workshop, we can outline a plan for promoting eco-design into action, supporting policy frameworks, and fostering partnership between stakeholders. Together, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible industrial landscape in Viet Nam.