Promoting Green Economic Development in Vietnam

the case of Ho Chi Minh city

Abstract

In the context of Vietnam’s transition into a new development era that requires a shift toward a more sustainable growth model, green economic development has emerged as a strategic orientation at both national and local levels. As the largest economic center of the country and a key growth engine of the Southern Key Economic Region, Ho Chi Minh City has set the goal of becoming an “international megacity” based on the principles of smart, green, and innovative urban development. Within this process, the green economy is regarded as an appropriate development model that reconciles economic growth with environmental protection and the improvement of citizens’ quality of life. Drawing on theoretical perspectives on sustainable development and the green economy, combined with an analysis of empirical evidence, this paper examines the current state of green economic development in Ho Chi Minh City in recent years. The study highlights major achievements while also identifying existing limitations and challenges in implementation. On this basis, the paper proposes several key solutions to promote green economic development, thereby contributing to the realization of Ho Chi Minh City’s goal of becoming a smart, rapidly developing, and sustainable urban center in the coming period.