Brian Jeffrey
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has instructed the Ministry of Finance to create policies that incentivize state agencies and public service entities to shift towards green vehicles, moving away from fossil fuel transportation.
This directive was detailed in Government Office Notification No. 8/TB-VPCP issued on January 8, 2025, which summarizes the discussions held regarding policies for advancing green transportation.
The Ministry of Finance is responsible for investigating benefits for government bodies to adopt environmentally friendly vehicles, as Vietnam endeavors to enhance sustainable transportation.
The Ministry of Transport is to lead the evaluation of existing laws, technical requirements, and economic regulations concerning new vehicles, ensuring strict adherence to emissions standards.
Furthermore, in urban planning for cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, it’s essential to integrate necessary infrastructure for green transportation, such as public transport networks and electric vehicle charging stations, with a report on progress due in early 2025.
The Ministry of Transport will also examine strategies to motivate individuals and businesses to prefer public transportation over personal vehicles. Recommendations are to be submitted to the Prime Minister by March 2025.
A draft directive aimed at promoting green transportation will be developed for governmental assessment.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade must ensure that local production and distribution of fuels meet national standards, focusing on biofuels while proposing regulations for electric vehicle charging station pricing. A plan for transparent electricity pricing is expected by February 2025.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is tasked with increasing vehicle emissions standards for existing vehicles, especially in areas with high pollution levels, and must present a comprehensive plan for taxes and fees conducive to green mobility by March 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha noted the importance of learning from nations like Thailand when developing financial policies to back green transport.
There is a push for collaboration with international organizations to obtain funding aimed at minimizing greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of green vehicles. Standards for projects focused on the production of green vehicles are expected to be completed by January 2025.
The Ministry of Construction will assist local governments in harmonizing urban development with infrastructures for green transportation, ensuring that urban and transport initiatives are coordinated.
Local authorities, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, must formulate policies targeting vehicle emissions in polluted zones while promoting the use of green vehicles.
