The Programme will go hand in hand with other national science and technology programmes that have been and are being implemented to join hands in promoting science and technology solutions, especially towards green technology and technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to implementing Vietnam’s commitment at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in 2021.
The programme has specific objectives such as: proposing to improve mechanisms, policies, standards, and solutions to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state management related to the goal of achieving zero net emissions in Vietnam; proposing models and solutions for green, circular, low-carbon economic and social development, and human resource development; in addition to researching, applying, decoding, innovating and transferring technology, advanced management and technical solutions, science and technology in industries and fields.
According to Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat, the Programme has many new features, implemented in the direction of “approaching from the target”, mobilising resources and intelligence of the business community in combination with scientists and experts from research institutes, universities and the State to solve the goal of achieving zero net emissions in Vietnam. The programme accepts risks in scientific research by removing the 2-year penalty for not being able to participate in the selection if the previous task fails to pass the acceptance test.
The programme is expected to create breakthrough solutions for new technologies in industries and fields such as carbon capture and storage technology; greenhouse gas emission reduction technology; green technology, circular technology; management and technical solutions to serve the goal of emission reduction; promote technology development, innovation, create jobs in the green technology industry and improve competitiveness.
For scientific tasks to be implemented in 2025, the Ministry of Science and Technology has organised seminars to inform and orient research to the business community, science and technology organisations, research institutes, universities, experts and scientists. For example, the research orientation for the agricultural and forestry sector is to reduce emissions from rice fields, research and develop rice varieties and crop varieties that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, crop varieties with high CO2 absorption capacity, etc.
The programme is closely linked to the role of enterprises in applying science, technology and innovation in production. Many opinions said that most enterprises operate on a small and medium scale, face financial and human resource difficulties, and do not have a clear roadmap towards net-zero. However, net-zero is an inevitable development trend, requiring enterprises to approach science, technology and innovation. In particular, the agricultural and industrial sectors, which are large sources of greenhouse gas emissions, need to develop in a green direction, accessing advanced technologies to implement a circular economic model.
In areas severely affected by climate change, such as the Mekong Delta, the Ministry of Science and Technology has organised a programme to promote practical solutions to achieve the net-zero target in these areas.
Nguyen Van Tho, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, said that the entire political system, organisations and especially the responsible participation of the business community must be involved. This is both a challenge and an opportunity to help localities, organisations, and businesses transform into green, develop sustainably, improve competitiveness and promote trade and investment cooperation for development, in the context that some countries and territories are moving towards establishing and applying carbon barriers to imported products from Vietnam.
Duong Tan Hien, Permanent Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Can Tho City, also affirmed that to realise the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, many challenges and difficulties need to be resolved. In particular, close coordination between authorities at all levels, businesses, scientists, and the community is a key factor that needs to be promoted. This commitment is the key for businesses to transform to a sustainable business model. Businesses are not only a factor contributing to the success of sustainable development goals but also beneficiaries of the sustainable development they create.
The application of science, technology and innovation is the solution to shorten the path to net-zero. Therefore, the role of scientists is also very important in researching and transferring technology to support the application of green energy, organic fertilisers, and energy storage technology.
According to scientists, although the goal of the programme is quite broad, the requirement to find new technological solutions and green technology is a big challenge for the business community and scientists, but with the sense of responsibility and enthusiasm of the organisations and individuals involved, they will turn challenges into opportunities, find practical scientific and technological results and solutions to soon complete the goal of achieving net zero emissions in Vietnam.
The Net Zero Science and Technology Programme is not only an opportunity to improve the quality of the living environment and protect biodiversity but also a driving force to promote innovation, create jobs in the green technology industry, and enhance Vietnam's competitiveness in the international arena.
