On the afternoon of 11 December 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Management Authority of Ho Chi Minh City Export Processing and Industrial Zones (HEPZA), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), organized a workshop titled “Promoting the Eco-Industrial Park Model – Advancing Circular Economy Development and Carbon Emission Reduction for Ho Chi Minh City.“

The workshop gathered nearly 120 representatives from central ministries, municipal authorities, international organizations, experts, industrial park developers and enterprises to exchange experiences, discuss policy directions and strengthen cooperation in transitioning industrial parks towards ecological and low-carbon development.

Eco-Industrial Parks – An Essential Pathway

In his opening remarks, Mr. Bui Minh Tri, Head of HEPZA, emphasized that eco-industrial parks are a key pillar in Ho Chi Minh City’s sustainable development strategy. He noted that transitioning to eco-industrial models not only supports Viet Nam’s COP26 commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, but also enhances resource efficiency and strengthens business competitiveness.

Representing the Government of Switzerland, Mr. Andri Meier, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy in Viet Nam reaffirmed that eco-industrial park transformation is an effective solution to maintain economic growth while reducing emissions and improving climate resilience. He highlighted that pilot initiatives, including those implemented at Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park, have already demonstrated clear results and strong potential for wider impact through reduced resource use, operational cost savings and lower carbon emissions. To truly reduce Ho Chi Minh City’s carbon footprint and resource consumption, he stressed that the eco-industrial park model must shift from pilot initiatives to becoming a mainstream standard for climate-smart industrial development.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Le Thi Thanh Thao, UNIDO Country Representative in Viet Nam, stated that over the past decade UNIDO has supported Viet Nam in implementing the Eco-Industrial Parks Programme. Through cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and local authorities, Phases I and II of the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in Viet Nam have helped pilot industrial parks reduce approximately 213,867 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year and save more than USD 4.2 million annually. This, she affirmed, clearly demonstrates that green industry delivers both environmental benefits and economic returns.

She also noted that Ho Chi Minh City has strong potential to lead the nation in eco-industrial transformation and attract international green finance and investment, provided that effective inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms, clear standards and certification systems, and a transparent data foundation are in place.

Experience, Policy Direction and Technical Solutions

At the workshop, Mr. Christian Susan (UNIDO) shared international experience from the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme in supporting countries such as Indonesia, Colombia and Peru in developing legal frameworks and national standards for eco-industrial parks. Mr. Tran Xuan Tung (Ministry of Finance) presented Viet Nam’s national policy direction for eco-industrial park development, clarifying regulatory provisions under Decree 35/2022/ND-CP and Circular 05/2025/TT-BKHĐT regarding criteria for both conversion and development of new eco-industrial parks.

Ms. Adriana Alzate (UNIDO) outlined GEIPP support for Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park in its eco-industrial transition, while Mr. Tran Thanh Tung (HEPZA) reviewed Ho Chi Minh City’s current progress in eco-industrial park development. In terms of specific technical solutions, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Minh (GEAPP) emphasized the potential of integrating rooftop solar with battery energy storage systems (BESS), while Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Dinh Tho highlighted the importance of circular solutions and waste recycling linked to carbon markets, emissions trading systems (ETS) and carbon credits.

Panel Discussion: Challenges and Solutions

Moderated by Ms. Nguyen Tram Anh, National Project Manager of GEIPP Viet Nam (UNIDO), the panel discussion featured representatives from HEPZA, the Ministry of Finance, the Swiss Embassy and several industrial parks. Discussions focused on key challenges such as the lack of incentive policies for eco-certified enterprises, legal barriers related to reuse of treated wastewater, and the absence of detailed technical guidance to promote industrial symbiosis and circular economy practices, particularly standards for reuse of treated wastewater for specific purposes.

A representative from Tan Thuan Industrial Park raised concerns over insufficient regulatory guidance on wastewater reuse and the continued reliance on external financial support for eco-industrial transition. Responding to these points, Mr. Le Van Thinh, Deputy Head of HEPZA, said HEPZA will compile policy challenges to report to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and central ministries. He also informed participants about Resolution 09, which provides loans of up to VND 200 billion per project along with preferential interest mechanisms for green projects.

From an implementation perspective, Mr. Giang Ngoc Phuong, Deputy General Director of Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park, shared that after more than four years participating in the transformation programme, enterprise awareness has significantly improved, with more than 74% of businesses in the park agreeing to participate. He emphasized that the benefits of becoming an eco-industrial park align closely with the park’s long-term development strategy and competitiveness. However, he stressed the need for a clear and comprehensive standards framework to support wider replication.

Representing the Swiss Embassy, Mr. Do Quang Huy underscored the importance of public–private dialogue and policies that encourage sustainable investment. Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Viet Hung (Ministry of Finance) affirmed that the Ministry will continue working with relevant partners to refine the legal framework (including amendments to Decree 35/2022/ND-CP) and support enterprises in accessing green finance.

Moving Toward Action

In his closing remarks, Mr. Bui Minh Tri reaffirmed that transitioning to eco-industrial parks is no longer optional, but an inevitable requirement and a strategic pathway to enhance sustainable competitiveness. He noted that the workshop helped clarify both breakthrough opportunities and practical challenges in the transition process.

HEPZA, he stated, remains committed to working closely with UNIDO, SECO and relevant agencies to translate proposed solutions into concrete action. The overarching goal is to gradually scale up the eco-industrial park model across the city, optimize resource efficiency, reduce emissions and create strong momentum for green growth—contributing to a more sustainable future for Ho Chi Minh City.