HCMC – HCMC and Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture are enhancing cooperation in green and digital transformation, focusing on high-tech industries, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
The 7th HCMC-Hyogo Economic Forum was co-organized on August 5 by the HCMC Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) and the Hyogo Prefectural Government, under the theme “Green and Digital Transformation Trends: Toward Sustainable Development.”
Speaking at the forum, Nguyen Loc Ha, vice chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee, said the city considers green and digital transformation as strategic pillars for long-term growth. HCMC is targeting a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
The city is prioritizing investments in renewable energy, green buildings, eco-industrial zones, and public transportation. It is also implementing a digital transformation strategy aimed at increasing the digital economy’s share to 40% of the city’s GRDP by 2030.
Pham Binh An, deputy director of the HCMC Institute for Development Studies, said the green transition is essential in response to environmental challenges and Vietnam’s COP26 commitments. He added that the city’s recent boundary expansion would support the shift to a green and digital economic model.
Vo Minh Thanh, deputy director of the HCMC Department of Science and Technology, said HCMC aims to become a smart city by 2030. The digital economy is expected to contribute 25% to GRDP by 2025 and 40% by 2030.
From the Japanese side, Hyogo Vice Governor Hattori Yohei said the two localities upgraded their partnership to a strategic level in 2024. Cooperation will be expanded in the areas of digital economy, green growth, and energy transition.
Consul General of Japan in HCMC Ono Masuo said the city’s boundary expansion would enhance its investment attractiveness, while the internationalization of Kobe Airport in 2025 is expected to boost trade and workforce mobility between the two sides.
