On the afternoon of August 13, 2025, in Busan (South Korea), at the Ho Chi Minh City – Busan Business Forum, Mr. Đinh Hồng Kỳ delivered a speech on the Global Context – Green Transition Challenges, Cooperation Opportunities between Greater Ho Chi Minh City and Busan, and Priority Areas for Collaboration.
1. Global Context – Green Transition Challenges
We are living in a BANI world – brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible – where climate crises, geopolitical tensions, and global economic volatility are intertwined.
Enterprises, especially SMEs in Ho Chi Minh City, are facing three major challenges:
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Lack of capital and technology for clean production, renewable energy, and circular economy initiatives
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Fragmented and insufficient policy support
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A double burden: reducing emissions while still ensuring revenue growth
2. Opportunities for Cooperation between Greater Ho Chi Minh City and Busan
Ho Chi Minh City is moving towards becoming a megacity integrated with Binh Duong and Ba Ria – Vung Tau, creating three green growth corridors:
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Ho Chi Minh City: Finance, innovation, and green logistics
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Binh Duong: High-tech and sustainable industries
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Ba Ria – Vung Tau: Renewable energy and green ports
Ho Chi Minh City’s green transition motto:
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Institutions take the lead
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Science and technology provide guidance
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Businesses act as pioneers
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Public awareness forms the foundation
Busan and South Korea hold strong advantages in technology and green development experience – this is the golden moment for both sides to connect, share, and grow together.
3. Priority Areas for Collaboration
3.1. Environmental Technology
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Regional wastewater treatment plants using Korean technology
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Waste sorting – recycling – waste-to-energy plants
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Smart environmental monitoring systems integrated into smart city frameworks
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Pilot green buildings meeting Net Zero Energy standards
3.2. Renewable Energy & Circular Economy
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Floating solar farms on reservoirs
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Offshore wind power combined with green hydrogen production
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Eco-industrial parks following Korea’s industrial symbiosis model
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Recycling centers for renewable energy equipment (solar panels, wind turbine blades)
3.3. Human Resource Development & ESG
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ESG training programs for businesses
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Exchange of experts and environmental management officials
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Establishing the Ho Chi Minh City – Busan Green Innovation Center as an incubator for green initiatives
“In an uncertain world, the only certainty is that we must act together. The green transition is a journey of joint efforts – public, private, and international – and cannot be taken alone. HGBA is committed to working alongside Busan partners, Ho Chi Minh City authorities, and the business communities of both nations to turn global challenges into sustainable development opportunities – for the Greater Ho Chi Minh City region and for Vietnam–Korea relations.”
— Mr. Đinh Hồng Kỳ, Chairman of HGBA
