HCMC – Hanoi and HCMC aim to convert all public buses to clean energy by 2030, as Vietnam moves to tighten air-quality management and cut emissions in major urban centers.
The target is part of a national action plan on air-pollution control for 2026–2030, approved under Decision 2530 by the prime minister and effective November 19, according to the Government news portal.
The plan prioritizes tackling pollution in Hanoi, HCMC, and surrounding provinces. By 2030, air quality nationwide must show year-on-year improvement.
Hanoi seeks to reduce PM2.5 concentrations by 20% compared to 2024 levels and ensure that at least 80% of days each year fall within good or moderate air-quality ranges. Provinces such as Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Haiphong, and Ninh Binh are expected to cut PM2.5 levels by 10% over the same period. HCMC and other urban areas are required to continue annual improvements in air-quality indicators.
Industries with high emissions—such as cement, thermal power, steel, and industrial boilers—must develop specific emission-reduction roadmaps.
In the transport sector, all cars and motorbikes nationwide will be subject to national emission standards through inspection and monitoring starting in 2030. Hanoi and HCMC must shift 100% of public-transport vehicles to clean energy within the next five years, while transport operators and ride-hailing firms will receive support to adopt cleaner technologies.
The plan also bans open burning of waste and agricultural residues. Rice straw and other byproducts must be reused or recycled. Religious establishments are required to minimize emissions from ceremonial paper burning.
By 2030, Vietnam targets 1,200 certified green buildings, including at least 200 in Hanoi and 500 in HCMC.
The prime minister has also called for the creation of a national system for air-pollution warning, forecasting, and control to support timely responses to pollution risks. A national steering committee will be set up to coordinate cross-sector efforts and ensure implementation of the plan.
