On the morning of January 10, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, the seminar "Energy Efficiency - Invest Effectively" was organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the World Bank under the framework of the VSUEE Project. The seminar aimed to promote the development of the energy efficiency investment market and enhance the effectiveness of connections between financial institutions and industrial enterprises nationwide.

The seminar featured representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the World Bank, and financial institutions. Notably, the event brought together many industrial enterprises from across the country. It provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss, share experiences, and explore specific solutions, while also connecting financial institutions with industrial enterprises to promote energy efficiency projects in Vietnam's industrial sector.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lam Giang stated: In recent years, energy efficiency and conservation have been a focus of the Vietnam Government and are considered one of the key pillars for ensuring energy security as well as fostering sustainable energy development. In 2020, Resolution No. 55/NQ-BTC dated February 11, 2020, by the Politburo on the ‘Strategy for Energy Development to 2030, with Orientations to 2045’ emphasized that energy conservation must be regarded as a vital national policy and a responsibility for all of society.

"The industrial sector currently accounts for over 50% of Vietnam's total energy consumption, making it one of the most energy-intensive sectors. In this context, Vietnam Scaling Up Energy Efficiency Project (VSUEE) was launched to improve energy efficiency and promote energy efficiency investments market in Vietnam's industrial sectors, significantly contributing to the national goals of energy conservation, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and environmental protection." - Ms. Nguyen Thi Lam Giang highlighted.

At the event, the Project Management Board provided a detailed introduction to the activities and objectives of the VSUEE Project, including technical and financial support for industrial enterprises and financial institutions to promote energy efficiency projects.

The goal of the VSUEE project is to promote energy efficiency and conservation in Vietnam's industrial sector, while contributing to national objectives on energy savings, ensuring energy security, and implementing tasks and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. In addition to technical support activities, a key highlight of the project is piloting a credit guarantee mechanism for energy efficiency investment projects. This initiative aims to overcome barriers to accessing commercial loans, stimulate the mobilization of financial resources, promote project implementation, and develop the energy efficiency investment market.

A representative from Saigon-Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB) - Program Implementing Entity (PIE), introduced the Risk Sharing Facility (RSF), explaining the guarantee process and how industrial enterprises can participate in this fund to receive financial support for energy efficiency projects. The Risk Sharing Facility, under Component 1 of the VSUEE Project, has a scale of USD 75 million, funded by reimbursable resources from the Green Climate Fund through the World Bank. The fund was established to mitigate the credit risk for participating financial institutions when lending to energy efficiency investment projects by issuing RSF credit guarantees.

Besides, Mr. Ma Khai Hien, Director of Energy Conservation and Research Development Center (Enerteam), presented effective innovations and advanced energy-saving solutions in the industrial sector. His presentation focused on energy-saving and efficiency solutions, including general approaches to energy efficiency in industries and specific solutions for cement, textiles, plastics, paper, steel, beverages, and seafood processing sectors. These solutions aim not only to reduce production costs but also to promote sustainable development in the context of increasing environmental and energy challenges faced by the industrial sector.

As part of the event, two information stations were set up to facilitate direct exchanges between industrial enterprises and financial institutions regarding technology and financing for energy efficiency projects.

Information Station No.1: “Energy Efficiency Solutions and Technical Support”, focused on energy-saving solutions and technical assistance, featuring participation from energy service companies (ESCOs) and energy efficiency equipment suppliers (EESPs). Discussions covered topics such as technological processes, energy-saving solutions, energy-efficient equipment, and technical support, including energy audits, feasibility studies, and environmental and social impact assessments.

Information Station No.2: “Financial Pathways”, provided information on financial products supporting energy efficiency projects, including the RSF, financial processes, loan products, and guarantee mechanisms from financial institutions. Industrial enterprise had the opportunity to engage directly with financial institutions to better understand financial opportunities and how to participate in energy efficiency projects through financial support programs."

The two information stations are not merely sources of knowledge but also serve as strategic bridges between industrial enterprises and commercial banks. Through these stations, stakeholders can collaboratively address challenges, seize opportunities, and accelerate the transition toward sustainable energy within the business community.

The seminar "Energy Efficiency - Invest Effectively" provides an opportunity to foster stronger connections between commercial banks and industrial enterprises, creating a favorable and sustainable environment for industrial businesses to access medium- and long-term financing more easily. This initiative aims to promote the implementation of energy-saving projects, contributing significantly to achieving Vietnam's national goals of energy conservation, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and climate change adaptation.