VIRI and VNCPC Co-organize an Information-sharing Program on Circular, Green, and Sustainable Agriculture

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On April 3rd and 4th, 2025, the program “Sharing Information and Knowledge on Circular, Green and Sustainable Agriculture” was organized in Tuyen Quang and Kien Giang provinces, both in-person and online.

The event is part of the project “Development of Eco-Fair women businesses in green and circular agriculture sector in Vietnam” (Eco-Fair 2), funded by the European Union (EU). The project is being implemented over three years (2024 – 2027) across four provinces: Bac Giang, Tuyen Quang, Binh Dinh, and Kien Giang.

The project “Development of Eco-Fair women businesses in green and circular agriculture sector in Vietnam” (Eco-Fair 2), funded by the European Union (EU)

Ecofair 2 aims to support women-led businesses, cooperatives, and individual production households, or enterprises with high proportion of female workers, in improving access to sustainable employment and business opportunities in green and circular agriculture, and promoting local social welfare activities.

The event attracted strong interest from businesses, production facilities, and cooperatives, who are the core targeted groups of the program. In addition, the event welcomed representatives from the Central Executive Committee of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union; Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons of the Provincial Farmers’ Unions in the host provinces; and experts from the Vietnam Rural Industries Research and Development Institute (VIRI); the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development; the Vietnam Cleaner Production Centre Co. Ltd. (VNCPC); the Vietnam Organic Agriculture Association (VOAA), along with other advisors and specialists of the program.

Mr. Do Tran Thinh, Provincial Party Committee member and Chairman of the Kien Giang Farmers’ Union remarked at the workshop.

Dr. Nguyen Bao Thoa, Director of VIRI and Program Director of EcoFair 2, emphasized during her speech “Agriculture is not only a key sector of the economy but also an essential component of ensuring social welfare. This event focuses on sharing information, knowledge, and practical solutions for sustainable agriculture, reducing environmental impact, improving production efficiency, protecting natural resources, and enhancing labor productivity.”

Experts at the event provided valuable insights on topics such as sustainability certification, carbon credits, and Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices.

Dr. Le Xuan Thinh, Director of VNCPC presented topic on RECP.

The next program is scheduled to take place on April 18, 2025, in Binh Dinh province.

Previously, the project “Promoting Supply and Demand for Eco-Fair Agri-Food Processing Products in Vietnam” (EcoFair), also funded by the EU, was implemented from April 2020 to May 2023.

The project was carried out nationwide, supporting Vietnamese micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the fields of meat processing, seafood, rice, cashew nuts, vegetables, and fruits. The project helped to improve production processes and product quality in the context of international integration, while also raising public awareness and trust in locally made goods.

VNCPC continues to collaborate with VIRI to implement the Eco-Fair 2

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The program titled “Development of Eco-Fair women businesses in green and circular agriculture sector in Vietnam” (Eco-Fair 2) is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented from 2024 to 2027 by the Vietnam Rural Industries Research and Development Institute (VIRI), in collaboration with the Vietnam Cleaner Production Centre Co. Ltd. (VNCPC).

The program is being carried out in four provinces: Bac Giang, Tuyen Quang, Binh Dinh, and Kien Giang. Its objective is to support women-led businesses, cooperatives, and individual business households or those with a high proportion of female workers (WB) in improving their access to sustainable employment and business opportunities within the green and circular agriculture sector. Additionally, the program aims to promote social welfare activities in local communities.

Within this program, VNCPC plays the following key roles:

  • Training and sharing information on sustainable agricultural practices to enhance the capacity of WBs in adopting eco-fair, green, and circular agricultural production and business activities (sustainable agriculture);
  • Providing technical consulting and guidance on the application of sustainable agricultural practices at WBs through hands-on support in Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP), thereby contributing to emission reduction and job creation for women;
  • Directly supporting the development of green and eco-fair agricultural models for WBs in local areas; and
  • Advising on business planning and financial linkages for businesses and cooperatives participating in the program to expand their production capacity and market access.

Previously, the “Promotion of supply and demand for Eco-Fair agri-food processing products in Vietnam” (Eco-Fair) project, funded by the EU, was implemented from April 2020 to May 2023. This project was carried out nationwide, supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating in key agri-food sectors such as meat processing, seafood, rice, cashew nuts, vegetables, and fruits.

The project contributed to enhancing production processes and improving product quality in the context of international integration. At the same time, it helped shift community perceptions and build greater trust in domestic agri-food products.

Through its participation in the project, VNCPC performed the following key activities:

  • Compiling and disseminating online courses on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP);
  • Raising consumer awareness through online training programs, and establishing a network of ambassadors to drive positive change within the community;
  • Providing capacity building for 1,000 MSMEs in the field of the agri-food processing sector through accessible online learning platforms;
  • Raising awareness of eco-fair products and circular economy policies in the agri-food processing sector;
  • Conducting quick onsite assessments to identify opportunities for supporting 200 MSMEs in adopting more sustainable production practices;
  • Carrying out in-depth RECP assessment for 50 MSMEs to identify cost-saving opportunities, reduce product prices, and improve access to both domestic and foreign markets; and
  • Training for MSMEs on procedures and opportunities to access green financial resources, and supporting businesses in need in preparing bankable projects to apply for funding.

VNCPC

Biochar still lacks policy mechanisms to “green” the agricultural sector

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With diverse and abundant raw materials for production, biochar has great application in the agricultural sector. It helps to capture CO2 in the atmosphere and contributes to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, there is still a lack of policy mechanisms to promote the commercialization of this product.

On March 18, 2024, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) coordinated with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Vietnam Cleaner Production Centre Company Limited (VNCPC) organized “Consultation workshop on policy review and recommendation report to promote biochar production and use in Vietnam”. The workshop attracted the participation of nearly 30 delegates from representatives of ministries and branches, representatives of units under the MARD, associations, businesses, and national experts.

“Consultation workshop on policy review and recommendation report to promote biochar production and use in Vietnam”  was held in Hanoi, attracting the participation of nearly 30 delegates

Biochar: Cheap raw material – big benefits

At the workshop, Mr. Vu Thanh Liem, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department (MARD) said that biochar is an environmentally friendly product, brings high economic benefits when used and is considered a “black gold” in the agricultural sector. In particular, biochar also can absorb about 50% of CO2 in the atmosphere, contributing to a significant reduction in GHG emissions in general and in agriculture.

Mr. Vu Thanh Liem, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department (MARD)

Regarding raw materials for biochar production in Vietnam, it is currently very abundant and diverse, most of which are agricultural by-products such as peanut shells, sugarcane bagasse, rice husks, coconut shells, cocoa shells, durian shells… to forest exploitation waste products can be used. In the past, these materials were often burned, causing environmental pollution, or used at very low value.

Putting these materials into biochar production not only solves environmental problems but also helps create jobs for rural labors. More importantly, biochar is also a source of organic fertilizer that helps improve soil and enhance sustainable crop productivity, which can replace chemical fertilizers.

Ms. Le Thi Thanh Thao, Country Representative at UNIDO Vietnam Country Office also said: In 2022, UNIDO coordinated with the MARD and VNCPC to organize 02 technical events on biochar and its benefits in protecting soil resources, living environment and human health, contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam.

Ms. Le Thi Thanh Thao, Country Representative at UNIDO Vietnam Country Office

There are still barriers

According to the general assessment of the delegates: The benefits of biochar are becoming more and more known and receiving the attention of relevant parties, from research, production, trade, and practical application. However, there is still a lack of regulations on standardization and quality control of biochar products, a lack of cooperation and interaction between relevant parties, and pyrolysis technology for biochar production has not been recognized as a green technology… These factors are crucial drivers to promote biochar products to be more widely applied in life.

The representative of the UNIDO hopes that the knowledge and experience from experts will provide useful and updated information on the field of biochar in Vietnam, not only in terms of technique but also in terms of policy. On this basis, the organizing unit will receive and provide comments and consultations for the “Report on review and policy recommendations to promote biochar production and use in Vietnam”.

Ms. Do Thi Diu – VNCPC officer shared information about the project and pyrolysis technology

During the workshop, delegates also asked questions to learn more about the applications of biochar, contributed more information about policies, provided comments, and proposed additional research with more information to help develop regulations on quality control standards for biochar. Ministries and trade promotion agencies were also very interested and proposed developing pilot models using pyrolysis technology to create biochar for agricultural enterprises and cooperatives.

Through this meeting, the MARD, other ministries, UNIDO, and partners will coordinate to build a biochar working group including policymakers, researchers, manufacturers/businesses, trade promotion agencies/certification organizations, and users… to improve interaction between relevant parties in promoting production, business, and developing the biochar market, aiming to build a green, clean and sustainable agriculture.

At this conference, the website biocharvietnam.org, an online information repository about biochar in Vietnam, was officially introduced. It was established under the financial support of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) through UNIDO to share and disseminate knowledge, lessons, and initiatives in biochar research, production, and trade activities over the country.

Mr. Le Viet Hien – Representative of the unit receiving the transfer of the small-scale pyrolysis system in Vietnam

In Vietnam, Vina Viet Hien Company Limited is the only unit that has received technology transfer from Switzerland and successfully manufactured a pilot small-scale pyrolysis system for the cooperative model. With funding from the SECO and technical support from UNIDO, this technology has the potential to convert a variety of agricultural wastes into thermal energy and biochar, adding value for organic waste and agricultural residues, while also providing economic opportunities for farmers and agricultural processors, allowing on-site biomass energy supply and meeting strict emission standards.

VNCPC

VNCPC coordinated with the MOIT to organize a training course on sustainable consumption and production

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During 2 days (September 21-22, 2023), in Hanoi, the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade – MOIT) coordinated with Vietnam Cleaner Production Centre Co. Ltd, (VNCPC) organize basic training courses on sustainable consumption and production (SCP) for officials from the Department of Industry and Trade, Industrial Development Consulting and Industry Promotion Centre of provinces and cities, and individuals, units and organizations operating in the SCP field.

The training course had more than 40 delegates representing Departments of Industry and Trade, Industrial Development Consulting and Industry Promotion Center, consulting units and related units, from more than 20 Northern and North Central provinces.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Cu Huy Quang, Deputy Chief of the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development Department emphasized: In addition to training basic knowledge, skills, and solutions to contribute to promoting SCP, the training course also contributes to establish a network of experts in SCP in the Northern and North Central regions to jointly support businesses to transform faster.

Mr. Cu Huy Quang, Deputy Chief of the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development Department emphasized the role of the training course.

Accordingly, the content of the training course focused on main contents including: Sustainable Production topic with a focus on: Economical and efficient use of Energy, water, materials, Use of chemicals safety and efficiency, Instructions for using calculation tools in energy audits…, Circular economy; Topic: Sustainable Resource Management; The topic of Sustainable Distribution and the topic of Sustainable Consumption, with presentations by experts from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, National Economics University and senior experts from VNCPC.

In addition to the above content, the training course is also designed with games, interactive exercises, and knowledge synthesis to increase attraction for students. The course has also received high appreciation from students.

Mr. Le Xuan Thinh, Director of VNCPC spoke at the training session.

Mr. Le Xuan Thinh – Director of VNCPC said: The 2-day training program in the North is the first training course to be held in 2023. Following this program, training courses will be conducted in Central region and Southern region in October and November.

After participating in the training course, delegates will receive a certificate from the Department of Energy Conservation and Sustainable Development. This is also the premise for the Ministry of Industry and Trade to build and expand a network of sustainable production and consumption across the country.

Some pictures of the training course:

VNCPC

Free Online Training Programme on Eco-Industrial Park for EIP Policy-makers and Practitioners/Service Providers

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UNIDO and Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) are organizing a training programme aimed at building awareness on EIP concepts amongst the key stakeholder groups, sharing and exchange of experiences and knowledge related to EIP deployment, EIP policy implementation, identification, and intervention of EIP opportunities, etc. based on existing UNIDO, World Bank and GIZ materials.

The training will be delivered online by international as well as national experts consisting of six 2-hour modules (a total of 12 hours of learning). Each session will be delivered twice, thus allowing participants to choose the most convenient slot.

The training material covers aspects of EIPs and approaches, underlying tools and toolkits as well as Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) approaches to the extent needed for the incorporation of EIPs into local and national policy landscapes and provide EIP support to Industrial Parks in Vietnam. It covers a range of EIP topics relevant to strengthen the capacity and to address the needs for EIP policy-makers as well as EIP services providers, including a balanced mix of EIP theory, practical examples and interactive exercises.

The training programme will help participants to network effectively and benefit from peer learning while establishing a network of competent national institutions to deliver quality and value-added EIP services which respond to the needs of enterprises and other organizations in Vietnam.​

The detailed information for the training, please click HERE (Flyer_Policymakers) or (Flyer_Practisioners).

If you are interested in joining it, please submit your application by registering the link in HERE (Call for application for policymakers) and (Call for Application for Practisioners) before 20 August 2023.

Source: http://eip-vietnam.org/event/49

Implementation of eco-industrial parks in Vietnam according to the approach from the Global Eco-Industrial Park Program – New opportunities for businesses

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On the afternoon of July 15, in Hanoi, an online workshop was held to introduce the project “Implementation of eco-industrial parks in Vietnam according to the approach from the Global Eco-Industrial Park Program”.

This is a project funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in developing and transitioning countries.

The project is aligned with the goals of the Global Eco-Industrial Park Program (GEIPP), demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of eco-industrial approaches in improving resource efficiency and economic efficiency, environment, and society at enterprises, thereby contributing to the sustainable and comprehensive industrial development in Vietnam.

The conference was held online but has attracted many participants from enterprises.

In Vietnam, the project is implemented by the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) in collaboration with UNIDO during the period from 2020 to 2023. The main beneficiaries of the project include Amata Industrial Park (Dong Nai), Dinh Vu Industrial Park (Deep C – Hai Phong), Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park (HCMC). In addition, the project continues to support the development of industrial symbiosis (IS) opportunities at the enterprise and industrial levesl that were identified from the previous phase of the project.

To implement the project, Vietnam Cleaner Production Center Co. Ltd (VNCPC – under BK Holdings – Hanoi University of Science and Technology) and Sofies (Switzerland) were selected to implement the component ” Provision of Services to identify resource efficiency and industrial symbiosis interventions, and to provide related training in Deep C (Hai Phong) and Amata (Dong Nai) industrial parks in Vietnam “. The experience in these industrial zones will be a model to replicate and develop the eco-industrial park model all over the country.

What benefits do enterprises get from participating in the project?

According to Ms. Vuong Thi Minh Hieu – Department of Management of Economic Zones (MPI), Deputy Director of the project: In the process of developing industrial zones, environmental impacts cannot be avoided.

Agreeing with the above opinion, Mr. Dinh Manh Thang – a senior expert on efficient use of resources and cleaner production of VNCPC said: According to calculations, it takes 2 piles of earth to meet the needs the current needs of more than 7 billion people. Therefore, the development of eco-industrial parks is an indispensable requirement for economic development to be less dependent on resources, thereby reducing pressure on the environment…

“There are many financial mechanisms for cleaner production and industrial activities from domestic banks such as BIDV, Agribank, Vietcombank, Sacombank, etc. through loans and credit guarantees. In addition, there are financial mechanisms from foreign banks/organizations, and support programs on capacity building and technology implemented by domestic and foreign organizations”, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Tinh – Sen 26 Trading Consulting Co., Ltd. shared.

Mr. Le Xuan Thinh, Director of VNCPC – the consulting unit said: The project will focus on training on resource efficiency and cleaner production (RECP), IS and knowledge about ecological industrial zones; Quick assessment of RECP and guidance to identify wastes in the production process, improvement opportunities to optimize profits, reduce production costs, save raw materials, energy, water…; Evaluating the feasibility and building industrial infrastructure solutions towards the eco-industrial park model; Support access to financial resources to implement IS solutions.

On July 27-28, VNCPC will organize a 2-day training program to improve the capacity of the RECP and IS for enterprises in Deep C Industrial Park (Hai Phong). However, enterprises outside DeepC can still participate in workshops.

VNCPC