GEFE 2024 opens with global leaders committing to greener future

The Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) 2024 officially opened on October 21 amid the presence of global leaders, business executives, policymakers, and sustainability advocates in a joint effort toward building a greener and more sustainable future.

In her opening speech, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang shared that total Vietnamese import-export turnover since the beginning of the year to September had reached US$578.47 billion, an increase of 16.3% compared to the same period from last year. The trade balance therefore achieved a surplus of US$20.79 billion, with exports to the EU alone reaching US$38.1 billion, up 17%.

“This reflects the increasing potential for effective and high-quality growth between Vietnam and the EU,” she added.

The Deputy Minister also encouraged Vietnamese and EU businesses to continue expanding co-operation in investment, trade, and technology transfer, with a focus on green growth and alignment with new global standards at the Green Economy Forum & Exhibition 2024.

Upon addressing the forum, Bruno Jaspaert, chairman of EuroCham Vietnam, emphasised that GEFE 2024 reflects the joint ambition of the nation and the EU to advance the cause of sustainable development.

The participation of high-level officials, industry experts, and business leaders therefore demonstrates that we are all committed to turning words into action and ensuring that together we can build greener futures, he added.

For his part, EU Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas revealed that the bloc views the Vietnamese side not only as a key trade partner, but also as a vital player in advancing their broader strategy for a comprehensive EU-ASEAN partnership.

“Vietnam is a prime example of strategic partnership,” he stressed, “With green growth at the heart of our collaboration, and events like GEFE 2024 are crucial in transforming our shared goals into reality.”

"The time is now. This period of transition to a greener future is full of challenges, but these are when we can make the big differences for future generations,” Vice President Schinas said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son reaffirmed Vietnamese commitments to balancing economic growth with environmental protection, emphasising that, “The EU has become a key partner in this journey."

He noted that through platforms like GEFE, both sides are in the process of strengthening collaboration and unlocking new opportunities for green investments.

The Deputy Prime Minister also has high regard for this year’s theme of "Building Green Futures" and recognised the forum’s evolution, noting that “Now in its third year, GEFE has become one of Vietnam’s most significant and prestigious annual events—a model for public-private cooperation in fostering sustainable green growth.”

At the event, EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier remarked that GEFE exemplifies the power of public-private co-operation, in which trade and climate action can serve to reinforce one another.

He emphasised that the country is not only a key partner for Europe, but is also a cornerstone of the wider EU-ASEAN partnership. Indeed, platforms like GEFE unlock new opportunities to accelerate green investments and build a sustainable future together.

“GEFE is an opportunity for direct engagement between EU and Vietnamese stakeholders but also with decision-makers. I encourage all of you in the three days ahead to multiply contacts, get inspiration from the discussions, from exchanges of good practices, and from the exhibition of innovative products and services,” Ambassador Guerrier concluded.

This landmark event, hosted by EuroCham Vietnam in collaboration with the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade, is expected to attract over 8,000 participants across its three-day agenda filled with high-level dialogues, exhibitions, and B2B networking opportunities.

With over 200 exhibitors, including 13 country pavilions, the exhibition offers attendees free access to explore cutting-edge green technologies and initiatives.