Co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Nguyen Hoang Long, Vice Minister of Industry and Trade (MOIT), H.E. Mr. Julien Guerrier, Ambassador of the European Union to Viet Nam, and H.E. Ms. Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia, the meeting brought together members of the VEPG Technical Working Groups (TWGs), task forces, and development partners. It reaffirmed VEPG’s role as a high-level policy dialogue platform supporting Viet Nam’s energy transition objectives and international commitments.

Building on progress and lessons highlighted since the 8th VEPG Steering Committee Meeting in 2024, the 9th meeting took place in a context where Viet Nam is advancing the implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and accelerating reforms in the energy sector. Against this backdrop, the meeting focused on three strategic objectives: providing guidance on the development of a proposal for the VEPG - JETP collaboration mechanism, reviewing progress of VEPG under its third-year workplan and approving the fourth-year workplan, and endorsing the agenda and indicative timeline for the 5th VEPG High-Level Meeting planned for 2026.

Accordingly, the VEPG Secretariat highlighted the progress on the coordination with VEPG and JETP focal agencies to develop a concept note on how to enhance synergies between VEPG and JETP. The discussion emphasized the need to develop a collaboration mechanism between VEPG and JETP with the aim of avoiding duplication and strengthen synergies between the two.

The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the 2024–2025 workplan,  acknowledging the strong commitment and close cooperation among the Ministry of Industry and Trade, co-charing entities, and development partners,  in the context of Viet Nam’s evolving institutional landscape and ongoing global geopolitical developments. TWGs played an important role in sharing international experience, sustaining policy dialogue, and coordinating technical inputs in support of the energy transition objectives. Looking ahead, the 2026 workplan was approved, with a greater emphasis on deepening stakeholder engagement, enhancing coordination with JETP processes, and generating more concrete, actionable policy recommendations.

Finally, the Steering Committee discussed preparations for the 5th VEPG High-Level Meeting, expected to be convened in 2026, which will serve as a key forum for high-level policy dialogue in the energy sector.

The 9th VEPG Steering Committee Meeting underscored the continued commitment of MOIT, the European Union, the World Bank, and development partners to work together in supporting Viet Nam’s path toward a secure, inclusive, and low-carbon energy future.