Despite notable progress, environmental pollution remains poorly controlled in many areas, with several regions facing severe conditions.

Promoting nature-based tourism linked to wildlife conservation is believed to be essential for sustainable development in the near future.

Vietnamese enterprises are making a strong transition to enhance product value and conquer international markets, moving away from exporting fresh or minimally processed products.

To achieve its goals, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has rolled out eight key tasks and solutions, focusing on accelerating administrative reform; advancing sectoral restructuring; promoting digital transformation and innovation; expanding domestic and international markets.

Forest ecotourism stands out from traditional tourism by providing a direct and meaningful connection to nature.

The lack of regulations and businesses’ reluctance to engage in environmental protection efforts have made it difficult for Vietnam’s e-commerce sector to transition to a greener model.

As the number of tourists surge at Mang Den ecological tourism site in Kon Plong district, the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum, local authorities are working to balance tourism development with environmental protection.

The eco-industrial park model is now being scaled up across multiple provinces with positive response from business community.

The VPA/FLEGT aims to promote the trade of timber products sourced from sustainably managed forests and harvested in line with the laws of the producing country.

To reach targets, the Hai Phong Maritime Port Authority is promoting administrative procedure reform by applying a specialised software, creating the most favourable conditions for maritime enterprises while still ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of State management in the Hai Phong seaport area.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha signed a decision on December 24 to approve a project on developing the biological industry in environmental protection by 2030.

Malaysia and Singapore have discussed various issues relevant to the environment and sustainability and agreed to exchange information on air and water resource quality improvement.

A workshop was held in Tokyo on November 18 to introduce to Japanese businesses investment trends in Vietnam and its pioneering industrial parks with carbon neutral initiatives.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has proposed areas be divided into zones for environmental protection so as to control environmental pollution and degradation early and from afar.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is asking city residents to go "zero-foam" for this year's Loy Krathong festival, urging those who want to take part in the event to look for biodegradable floats to help protect the environment.

The State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV) hosted a workshop in Hanoi on November 5, bringing together top auditors from ASEAN member states to share experience in handling environmental management challenges in industrial clusters and craft villages.

Thailand is striving to implement environmental protection and social sustainability solutions in developing the country’s major infrastructure projects, such as the development of Phase 3 of Laem Chabang Port, Thailand's only deep-sea port.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in coordination with the Office of the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment (ASOEN) in Vietnam and relevant units, held a ceremony on October 14 to launch the ASEAN Eco-Schools Vietnam Award 2024.

Many businesses in Vietnam have developed circular economy models, focusing on waste-to-energy and producing building materials from the ash and slag of thermal power plants.

Vietnam's seas and islands are facing a series of problems relating to degradation in landscape, marine and coastal ecosystems; coastal environmental pollution; and increasing negative impacts from natural disasters, climate change, and sea level rise. Therefore, a national marine spatial planning is needed to create orientations for sustainable exploitation and use of marine and island resources, and harmonise socio-economic development with national defence and security.