•    Mr. Le Ngoc Tuan, Director General, International Cooperation Department, MONRE
•    Mr. Africa Eshogba Olojoba, Practice Manager - Global Practice, World Bank
•    Mr. Muthukumara S. Mani, Lead Environmental and Climate Change Economist for Southeast Asia Region, World Bank
•    Esteemed Senior Representatives of Government Departments; Development Partners, Enterprises, Financial Institutions and academia; 
•    Distinguished guests, 
•    Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning, 
It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the workshop. I regret that I cannot join you in person, but I look forward to hearing about the outcomes. 
Today, we gather to share research findings, exchange experiences, and build on lessons learned as we work together to address the plastic waste challenge in Viet Nam.

This event comes at a pivotal moment, following the Fifth Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee (INC-5) on the Global Plastic Pollution Treaty. While INC-5 has made some progress towards a legally binding agreement, there are still substantial challenges to overcome, particularly around developing equitable financial mechanisms and ensuring effective resource mobilization for tackling plastic pollution. As we move forward, it will be crucial to align efforts and develop a financing roadmap that integrates the treaty’s commitments into Viet Nam’s plans for a circular plastics economy.

The objectives of today’s discussions are clear:
1.    To explore financing options and catalyze cross-sector collaboration in addressing plastic pollution.
2.    To discuss practical strategies for financing the implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty, ensuring alignment with national plans for a circular economy.
3.    To inspire actionable recommendations, including green investments and sustainable financing mechanisms tailored to plastic action.

Viet Nam has been proactive in addressing plastic pollution, and the circular economy offers a vital opportunity to build on this progress. A shift to circularity enables Viet Nam to move beyond unsustainable practices, enhance productivity, and boost competitiveness. Just two days ago, the Viet Nam Circular Economy Forum 2024 highlighted the country’s commitment to circular economy, with plastics identified as a priority sector. 

However, advancing plastic action within a circular economy framework requires significant financial support. As of the start of 2024, outstanding green credit accounted for just 4.5% of total banking credit in Viet Nam (State Bank, 2024). To stimulate sustainable financing for plastic-related initiatives, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach by establishing clear guidelines, enhancing regulatory frameworks, introducing supportive incentives, and strengthening international partnerships to unlock diverse funding opportunities and promote innovation in circular solutions.

Let us approach today’s discussions with open minds and bold ideas. I challenge each of you to explore not just the “what” but the “how.”  How can we mobilize financial resources, foster partnerships, incentivize investments, and drive the innovations needed to reduce plastic pollution?
I want to thank our co-hosts, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the World Bank, for their tireless efforts in advancing this agenda. I also extend my gratitude to all of you for taking the time to contribute your expertise to today’s workshop.

Finally, I wish you all a successful meeting today, filled with productive discussions and a joyful holiday season ahead. 
Thank you