Vietnam announces national sci-tech programme toward NetZero goals
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) launched the NetZero Science and Technology Programme during a scientific seminar held in Hanoi on December 12.
The NetZero Science and Technology Programme is designed to create breakthrough technological solutions aimed at achieving the country’s ambitious goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) ꦉ- The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) launched the NetZero Science and Technology Programme during a scientific seminar held in Hanoi on December 12. This initiative is designed to create breakthrough technological solutions aimed at achieving the country’s ambitious goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The programme reflects Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable development, offering a roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fostering green technologies. It targets various sectors, including energy, manufacturing, and transportation, with an emphasis on adopting green transition and circular economy principles.
Vietnam’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 is part of its commitment to the global fight against climate change, as outlined during the 26thඣ United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in the UK in 2021. The NetZero Science and Technology Programme will play a crucial role in realizing this objective by promoting research, technological development, and the implementation of sustainable solutions that can significantly reduce the nation’s carbon footprint.
At the core of the programme is the idea of integrating scientific innovation with practical applications to accelerate the green transition. This includes the adoption of new technologies in carbon capture and storage, greenhouse gas emission reduction, clean energy, and resource recycling. By fostering the development of these cutting-edge technologies, the programme aims to help Vietnam not only meet its international climate commitments but also enhance its environmental sustainability, improve air quality, and protect biodiversity.
Key objectives
The programme has three main objectives. The first is to provide scientific and practical support for refining national policies, mechanisms, standards and solutions to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state management related to the goal of achieving net-zero emissions in Vietnam.
The second focuses on proposing models for developing a green, circular and low-carbon economy as well as human resources to achieve the NetZero goal.
The third goal is centered around research and the application of advanced technologies in fields such as carbon capture and storage, greenhouse gas reduction, and the development of clean, circular technologies. The programme also emphasises technological innovation and the transfer of these solutions across industries to manage emissions and reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Joint effort for sustainability
Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat speaks at the launch of the NetZero Science and Technology Programme (Photo: VNA)
The programme is expected to generate breakthrough solutions in areas like carbon capture and storage technology, greenhouse gas reduction technology, green and circular technologies, as well as management and technical solutions aimed at reducing emissions, moving toward green transformation, and a circular economy in Vietnam. This will contribute to a significant reduction in national emissions, improved environmental quality, and biodiversity protection; promote technological development, innovation, job creation in the green tech sector, and improve competitiveness, contributing to the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 in Vietnam.
Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat emphasised that the NetZero programme will foster technological development, innovation, and job creation in the green tech sector, as well as improve competitiveness and promote green growth and sustainable development in Vietnam.
The programme is a testament to Vietnam's strong determination to make science and technology a cornerstone in creating technological solutions, management mechanisms, and policies that promote green growth models in the country, with the joint effort of the business community and scientists and technology experts, he added.
At the event, the MoST called on the business community, scientific and technological organizations, and experts to propose scientific and technological tasks within the framework of the programme to the ministry by January 10, 2025 (Round 1) to begin implementing these tasks in 2025./.
Integrating greenhouse gas inventory into traceability systems helps businesses ensure supply chain transparency and control the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere.
Ho Chi Minh City needs to adopt policies and channel financial resources to develop a carbon credit market in an effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions and respond to global warming, experts said.
Vietnamese businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), must embrace digital and AI transformations to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth, experts said.
Under the European Union (EU)’s global initiative on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE), Vietnam has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening national capacity in detecting, preventing, and preparing for CBRN-related threats.
The course aims to promote knowledge exchange between scientific and educational schools from different countries, while deepening participants’ expertise in modern technology and technical education. It comprises two main specialisations of electronics-automation and nuclear technology.
ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
