Sustainable energy has been selected as one of the two focal areas of the EU development cooperation in Vietnam for the 2014 - 2020 period (EU multiannual Indicative program for Vietnam 2014 – 2020). An indicative amount of EUR346 million out of the total EUR400 million envelop has been provisionally allocated to support the development of sustainable energy in Vietnam.

The workshop was filled with various presentations from MOIT, private sector and the EU providing participants with an overview on the state of play, challenges and assistance needed for the implementation of key government programs, policies and strategies in the energy sector. The workshop also discussed challenges that the private sector faces and its vision as well as EU possible instruments and modalities to support Vietnam's sustainable energy goals.

MOIT Vice Minister Hoang Quoc Vuong said: "Although Vietnam is now an energy exporter, it will become a net energy importer in the near future with estimated import of 17 million tonnes of coal, equivalent to 31% of its energy resources as of 2020. Significant investments, energy market reforms are essential to meet the demand in the future, and to maintain energy access for all at affordable price, reducing carbon emission and the sector’s environmental impacts".

While, Dr. Franz Jessen, Ambassador – Head of Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam emphasized that the European Union aims at having a direct and results-oriented sectoral dialogue with the Government of Vietnam.

“We intend to become a strategic partner and facilitate a smooth and effective implementation of an energy support program, with sustainable benefits to the people of Vietnam”.

EU support to the development of sustainable energy in Vietnam for 2014 – 2020 period will contribute to improving energy generation and consumption in the nation, increasing the share of clean and renewable energy in the energy mix, and improving access to reliable and sustainable energy services by the people.

At the workshop, the two sides also agreed on the way forward for a reinforced cooperation in the field of sustainable energy./.

( VNF )