Hanoi, Viet Nam, 20 April 2026 – The Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have launched a new UNIDO – Viet Nam Country Programme , marking an important step in strengthening the longstanding and strong cooperation to advance Viet Nam’s inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

Deputy Minister of Finance of Viet Nam, Tran Quoc Phuong and UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller signing the Country Programme

The Country Programme was signed by the Deputy Minister of Finance of Viet Nam,  Tran Quoc Phuong, and UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller, during a ceremony in Hanoi with representatives from UNIDO, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Environment, and Science and Technology, the Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology, provincial authorities from Hanoi, Hai Phong and Bac Ninh, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator.

Director General Müller said “UNIDO’s strong cooperation with Viet Nam spans more than four decades. Over this time, our partnership has evolved from individual projects into a growing portfolio of integrated and scalable solutions that combine policy advice, technical expertise and investment mobilization. Together, we will continue to strengthen our partnership to shape a modern, competitive and sustainable industrial sector in Viet Nam. Through our new Country Programme, we will support Viet Nam’s green, circular and inclusive industrial transformation—driving greater local value addition and enhanced competitiveness.” 

Deputy Minister of Finance of Viet Nam, Tran Quoc Phuong; United Nations Resident Coordinator of Viet Nam, Pauline Tamesis; and UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller at the signing ceremony

The Country Programme provides a clear framework for cooperation aligned with Viet Nam’s Socio‑Economic Development Strategy and Plan. DG Müller stressed that it supports the country’s objectives to become an upper‑middle‑income economy by 2030 and a high‑income country by 2045, while advancing progress toward net‑zero emissions by 2050.

The Viet Nam-UNIDO Country Programme 2025–2028, with an indicative budget of USD 72 million, focuses on three priority areas: the transition to green industry and circular economy; strengthening industrial competitiveness and sustainable value chains; and enhancing industrial policy, institutional capacity and partnerships.

UNIDO has partnered with Viet Nam for more than four decades, implementing over 170 projects since 1978 in areas such as SME development, quality infrastructure, energy efficiency, cleaner production and sustainable supply chains. Under the new Programme, cooperation will be scaled up through more integrated, programmatic interventions combining policy advice, technical assistance and investment mobilization.

The Programme also identifies opportunities to expand cooperation in agro‑industries, particularly in high‑potential value chains such as rice and tea, with a focus on value addition, sustainability standards, climate resilience and rural livelihoods.

The signing underscores the importance of effective coordination, government leadership and joint resource mobilization to ensure successful implementation and tangible development impact.

UNIDO and Viet Nam will continue working together to promote innovative, inclusive and sustainable industrial development in support of long‑term economic resilience and shared prosperity.

Source: Jie ZHAO
Chief, Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)