Implementing environmental technology solutions is seen as the 'key' to achieving sustainable development, especially amid the ongoing digital transformation aligned with green transition efforts.
Potential and gaps to be filled
Environmental technology goes beyond waste treatment solutions — it plays a crucial role in optimizing resource use and reducing negative impacts on nature. In many developed countries, ecological technology has emerged as a vital industry, generating significant economic value and creating millions of jobs.
In Viet Nam, this sector is gradually gaining recognition. Advanced wastewater treatment models, modern waste recycling technologies, and automated environmental monitoring systems are becoming more prevalent. However, despite its potential, the environmental technology industry still has considerable room for growth.
A major challenge lies in the heavy reliance on imported environmental treatment equipment and technology, often at high costs. This dependence not only increases financial pressure but also limits Viet Nam ’s ability to develop solutions tailored to its unique environmental conditions.
Moreover, awareness among businesses and the broader community about the importance of environmental technology remains limited. Many still view investments in eco-friendly solutions as an added expense rather than a long-term business opportunity. As a result, the adoption of green technologies in production processes has been slow, delaying the country’s transition toward a sustainable economy.
To fully unlock the potential of environmental technology, Viet Nam must strengthen its domestic innovation capacity, encourage bold investments in green solutions, and foster a mindset shift — recognizing that sustainability is not just an obligation but a pathway to economic resilience and growth.
Illustrative photoStrategic steps for development
Viet Nam needs more specific and comprehensive strategies to promote the development of the environmental technology industry to its full potential.
First, investment in domestic technology research and development is essential. Research institutes and universities need to be encouraged to cooperate with businesses to create technologies suitable for Viet Nam's practical conditions. With a solid domestic technology foundation, reducing import costs and enhancing self-reliance in the environmental sector will become more feasible.
In addition, building policies to support businesses also plays a key role. Tax incentives, green credits, or investment funds for firms operating in the environmental sector will be a significant driving force in attracting resources from the private sector. Green city and eco-industrial park models must be replicated to create ideal testing environments for advanced technologies.
Learning from the countries that have gone before is also a direction worth considering. Germany, Japan, and Sweden are all typical examples of developing environmental technology in conjunction with economic growth. In these countries, the application of modern technology helps reduce pollution and creates a new industry, contributing positively to GDP. If Viet Nam can build a suitable roadmap, environmental technology can become a spearhead of the economic sector in the future.
New directions from Resolution 57
At the end of 2024, Politburo issued Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on scientific, technological, innovation, and national digital transformation breakthroughs.
Resolution 57 identifies science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the main driving forces to promote new production models and methods. In transforming the economy towards a circular, low-carbon direction, Resolution 57 has proposed many solutions to encourage the development of the technology and environmental industries more strongly.
One of the essential highlights of the Resolution is the establishment of the Strategic Industrial Development Investment Fund, including the environmental sector. This is considered a breakthrough step, creating favorable conditions for businesses to access preferential capital sources and boldly invest in green technology solutions.
The Resolution also emphasizes the role of improving the capacity of domestic enterprises. When businesses can develop and apply modern technology, operating costs will be reduced, production efficiency will be improved, and most importantly, negative environmental impacts will be significantly limited.
In addition, training high-quality human resources is also an essential factor. An in-depth education and training system on environmental technology will help provide qualified human resources ready to receive and apply advanced solutions. At the same time, developing transparent digital platforms, helping businesses and people easily access information on environmental quality, will also be an essential tool to raise awareness and responsibility of society.