The Da Nang Institute for Socio-Economic Development Research in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam recently held a seminar to announce the circular economy development roadmap in Da Nang for the 2022-2030 period , with a vision to 2045. The event was connected online with delegates from Ha Noi, Japan and Finland.

In his remarks at the seminar, Da Nang People’s Committee Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh stressed the necessity for the city to convert and apply the circular economy model.

He emphasized that the circular economy model will put an end to the situation of the growing volumes of waste but there is no effective treatment plan and the economic value from waste cannot be exploited. Also, the model will contribute to limiting the negative impacts on the environment caused by the applied linear economic model, thereby bringing benefits in the context of resource scarcity and climate change, and exploiting the existing high-tech platform for the city.

He also highlighted the significance of the model in resolving some socio-economic problems, including rapidly aging population, unemployment, low-wage jobs, low skills, income inequality, and gender inequality.

The transformation and application of a circular economy model will also help the city realise many of its goals and targets required by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), added Mr. Minh.

Vice Chairman Minh also took the opportunity to thank UNDP, especially Ms. Caitilin Wiesen, Resident Representative UNDP in Viet Nam, for their active support for the city over the past time.

At the same time, he sent a Certificate of Merit from the municipal People's Committee Chairman Le Trung Chinh to Ms. Caitilin Wiesen in recognition of her active involvement in promoting the city's socio-economic development.

According to Director of the Da Nang Institute for Socio-Economic Development Research Huynh Huy Hoa, the circular economy development roadmap in Da Nang for the 2022-2030 period, with a vision to 2045 will be divided into 3 phases.

In the start-up phase (2022-2025), emphasis will be placed on increasing public awareness about the circular economy model, as well as preparing for initial prerequisites in terms of policies, capital, human resources and road map.

During the development period (2025-2030), the city will implement some pilot projects in priority areas to spread the application of the circular economy, including waste management, raw materials, energy, eco-industrial parks, food and food circulation, water circulation, and green consumer citizens.

From 2030 onwards, circular economy will become the mainstream, and pilot programmes and projects will be evaluated and expanded to other industries and fields. The city will essentially meet the criteria of a circular city by late 2045.

Reporting by H.HIEP - Translating by M.DUNG