The conference was attended by representatives from the National Assembly’s Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Departments of Industry and Trade from southern provinces, representatives of major corporations such as Vietnam Electricity (EVN), Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PVN), and Vietnam National Coal - Mineral Industries Group. Additionally, energy efficiency centers, industrial promotion and development consulting centers under the Departments of Industry and Trade of southern provinces and cities, as well as organizations and individuals operating in the field of energy efficiency and conservation, also participated.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lam Giang, Director of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development (Ministry of Industry and Trade), stated that the amendments and supplements to the Law on Using Energy Efficiency and Conservation aim to drive the transition to a green economy, encourage investment in energy-saving technologies, and reduce emissions. In accordance with the Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has collaborated with relevant ministries and agencies to develop the proposal dossier for amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Law on Using Energy Efficiency and Conservation. The revised content has been distributed to conference delegates and is also being publicly consulted on the Government’s and Ministry of Industry and Trade’s online portals for further revisions.

Mr. Hoang Viet Dung, a representative of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development, presented the Draft Law's amendments, which focus on four key policy areas: (i) Enhancing the effectiveness of state management in energy efficiency and conservation; (ii) Regulating the management and development of energy consulting services, energy audits, and workforce training in energy efficiency; (iii) Establishing incentives and financial support tools for energy efficiency and conservation; (iv) Transitioning the market and managing the efficiency of energy-consuming equipment and vehicles.

Affirming the importance of amending the Law, Mr. Tran Minh Hoa, Deputy Head of the Energy Management Division, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, stated that the revised law represents a critical breakthrough to address existing challenges and promote social investment in energy efficiency and conservation, contributing to energy transition and sustainable development.

"The draft law has strengthened local governments' responsibilities. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade offers additional perspectives. First, authorities should be given increased responsibilities for managing and inspecting enterprises' compliance with energy consumption standards and regulations. Second, local governments should be empowered to develop and implement energy efficiency plans aligned with socio-economic development strategies. Third, local authorities should play a greater role in monitoring compliance with energy labeling regulations, particularly in construction materials and transportation sectors," Mr. Tran Minh Hoa suggested.

Experts and stakeholders at the conference noted that the current Law on Using Energy Efficiency and Conservation lacks a legal framework for developing the energy efficiency market through Energy Service Company (ESCO) model contracts. The ESCO market currently faces regulatory gaps, including those related to defining ESCO operations, establishing methods to quantify energy savings, resolving ESCO contract disputes, handling asset transfers (particularly for state-owned enterprises), and determining eligible ESCO service users (e.g., public institutions, and budget-funded entities).

"EVN proposes that the revised Law include policies and mechanisms to provide a legal framework and encourage ESCO companies’ operations to accelerate the development of the energy services market in Vietnam," said Mr. Tran Viet Nguyen, Deputy Head of the Business Department at Vietnam Electricity (EVN).

At the conference, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Ha, an energy expert, shared insights from the pilot implementation of the Voluntary Agreement Scheme (VAS) on energy efficiency in Vietnam under the Vietnam-Denmark Energy Partnership Program (DEPP3) 2020–2025.

Drawing from Denmark's experience in energy efficiency projects, DEPP3 has supported enterprises in developing energy-saving initiatives in Vietnam. While two feasibility studies (FS) have been conducted, the number of energy efficiency experts remains insufficient to meet demand. According to Mr. Hà, for the long-term operation of the VAS program, financial mobilization, assigning a responsible implementing agency, and establishing a fund by legal regulations must be prioritized.

During discussions, participants contributed constructive feedback on the mechanisms, policies, and Draft Law amendments.

Regarding the establishment of a national financial fund, Mr. Tao Tan Tai, Deputy Director of the Dong Thap Department of Industry and Trade, emphasized that a well-funded and flexible national energy efficiency fund could significantly enhance the ESCO market in Vietnam, thereby improving energy efficiency activities.

Mr. Le Van Doanh, Deputy Director of the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Department of Industry and Trade, proposed that, in addition to a national financial fund, local governments should be allowed to utilize local development investment funds or off-budget financial funds to finance energy efficiency projects. This approach would broaden financing opportunities for businesses to transition technologies and improve energy efficiency.

Mr. Ma Khai Hien, Director of the Energy Efficiency Research and Development Center (ENERTEAM), reaffirmed the necessity of amending the Law, highlighting its potential to address numerous challenges and promote energy efficiency efforts. Regarding the ESCO model, he recommended that the term "ESCO" be incorporated into the Law from the outset to facilitate its legal recognition. From a technical standpoint, he also suggested including solutions related to carbon reduction in industrial production and transitioning to lower-emission energy sources.

Concluding the conference, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lam Giang highly appreciated the delegates' contributions, emphasizing their vital role in finalizing the revised Law to enhance energy efficiency and conservation in Vietnam.