P4G 2025 Policy Dialogue Forum: Bridging Policy, Startups, and Green Transition

The forum brought together over 200 delegates, including government leaders, domestic and international experts, scholars, investors, and representatives from businesses and innovation support organizations. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Minh attended and delivered opening remarks, reaffirming Vietnam’s strong commitment to building a dynamic and sustainable innovation ecosystem.
 

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Minh, having opening speech in the Forum

One of the most notable highlights of the forum was the delivery of insightful and practical presentations by leading experts, addressing key topics such as legal frameworks, sustainable startup models, and future development strategies in the context of global green transition. Among them, the keynote by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Tho, Director General of the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment, stood out with valuable contributions.

Dr. Tho emphasized the critical role of policy in fostering green innovation and entrepreneurship. He noted that Vietnam has been proactively improving its regulatory landscape to promote sustainable business models, especially in line with the circular economy, which is increasingly seen as a foundation for future development. Notably, Vietnam is among the first countries in Southeast Asia to introduce legislation dedicated to circular economy development — a strong signal to investors eyeing the green innovation market in Vietnam.

However, Dr. Tho also pointed out persistent challenges, particularly the lack of green infrastructure, and urged Vietnamese businesses to align with stringent “green standards” from key export markets such as the EU and the US. Meeting these standards not only enhances the global competitiveness of Vietnamese products but also opens up new opportunities for investment and international cooperation.

A dynamic panel discussion followed, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Truong Thi Nam Thang from the Institute for Innovation and Development. The session featured prominent voices from international organizations and pioneering businesses in sustainable development, including Ms. Robyn McGuckin, Executive Director of the P4G Forum; Dr. Malle Fofana, Asia Regional Director of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI); Mr. Finn Mortensen, CEO of State of Green; Mr. Khanh Tran, Managing Partner at Touchstone Partners; and Ms. Vo Hong Hanh, Founder and CEO of BUYO Bioplastics.

Speakers in the panel discussion session

Panelists engaged in in-depth discussions on the role of P4G in fostering green startups, the influence of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence on accelerating the green transition, and practical lessons from global efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sustainable transformation. The exchange also highlighted the importance of unlocking policy bottlenecks and sharing innovative business initiatives that contribute to a more enabling ecosystem for green investment and entrepreneurship.

This forum not only served as a space for policy dialogue but also acted as a vital bridge between strategic thinking and practical action — connecting businesses, investors, and policymakers across borders. It reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong commitment to emissions reduction, green growth, and sustainable development, while advancing its transition toward a circular, inclusive, and resilient economy.