UNDP helps boost circular economy capacity building for Vietnamese enterprises

This program aims to inspire and provide practical instruction and tools for building, applying the recommended circular business models, and developing enterprises' roadmap for the circular transition.

In addition, the program provides information on circular economy development policies and the sustainable requirements of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Participants were representatives from more than 100 businesses across Viet Nam, representing various industries, including agriculture, the plastics industry, the environment, waste management, building materials, cuisines, fashion, and business, among others.

According to experts, the global economy in 2020 is only 8.6% circular, down from 9.1% in 2018. If enough effort is not made into the circular transition, the number of resources used in 2060 may double that in 2015. Therefore, for all nations to achieve sustainable development, the shift from a linear economy to a circular one is crucial.

In Viet Nam, though there are several circular models such as the garden-pond-livestock (Vuon-Ao-Chuong) model, collection of used paper and scrap iron, and cleaner production for small companies, it is crucial that more businesses implement these models to hasten the shift to the circular economy.

"Within this program, for the first time, a practical tool for developing circular business models will be introduced to support enterprises in designing their circular business model and CE work-plan. Moreover, CE technical guidelines and online lectures on topics related to CE and business models will be developed to provide instruments, tools, and knowledge to address challenges during the circular journey of enterprise", said Mr. Patrick Haverman, the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Viet Nam.

At the training course, enterprises shared that the critical factors to achieving a circular economy are (i) building a circular economy plan and a long-term strategy, (ii) optimizing the production model, including applying science and new technology, and (iii) investing in research & development (R&D), (iv) building capacity for employees and (v) collaborating and connecting with partners.

Following the training courses, there will be post-training activities, which provide professional and advisory support for the enterprises that are prepared and committed to implement the circular business model.

The training courses are organized by the Environmental Economic Policy Institute (EEPI), Hue Innovation Hub (HiHub), the Institute for Circular Economy Development (ICED) together with Saxion University of Applied Sciences from the Netherlands and the Institute of Strategy, Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPONRE).

The following training courses will take place in Thua Thien Hue from June 27-29 and Ha Noi from June 30 - July 2, 2022./.