Opportunities substantial for greener infrastructure

Opportunities substantial for greener infrastructure

Vietnam has a thirst for green infrastructure development. Nicola Beer, vice president of the European Investment Bank, spoke with VIR’s Thanh Tung about the various hurdles ahead for investors in this market.

What is your assessment of the demand for investment in green infrastructure in Vietnam?

Vietnam has significant demand for investment in green infrastructure, driven by its commitment to sustainable development and the challenges posed by climate change. The government’s focus on achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, along with its growth in renewable energy sectors like solar and wind, presents key opportunities. Rapid urbanisation also requires sustainable solutions for transportation, energy efficiency, and waste management.

The growing interest in green financing, including green bonds, aligns with the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) role in supporting large-scale projects. With international collaboration and Vietnam’s active participation in climate agreements, there is strong potential for impactful green infrastructure investments in the country.

Nicola Beer, vice president of the European Investment Bank

An agreement between the EIB, which is the financing arm of the European Union, and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) was signed during your visit to Vietnam more than a week ago. How important is it for green infrastructure development?

During our visit to Hanoi, we deepened cooperation with the SBV to strengthen its green finance system through technical assistance under the Greening Financial Systems programme. Backed by the German government, this support will help the SBV align with global standards, develop sustainable finance policies, and mobilise investment for green infrastructure.

Another important discussion took place with Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Chi, where we spoke about how to accelerate our €500 million ($544 million) framework loan under an MoU we signed with the Ministry of Finance. This financing is available to the country and could be a crucial tool to support Vietnam’s energy transition and Just Energy Transition Partnership implementation, and we are committed to working together to ensure its effective deployment.

What opportunities do you see for investors in Vietnam’s green infrastructure development?

Vietnam’s green infrastructure development presents substantial opportunities for investors, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable urbanisation, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

There is a growing demand for investments in clean energy solutions like solar, wind, and energy storage. Additionally, opportunities lie in the development of green buildings, sustainable transport systems, and waste management solutions.

As Vietnam strengthens its commitment to sustainability and green financing, investors can play a key role in advancing the country’s transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon economy. The support from both the government and international partners further enhances the attractiveness of these opportunities.

These efforts will position Vietnam in the green infrastructure space, fostering greater economic resilience and contributing to global environmental goals.

What are your recommendations for improving the effectiveness of EIB capital in Vietnam?

To maximise the impact of EIB capital in Vietnam, it is crucial to prioritise high-impact, sustainable projects aligned with the country’s development goals. Efficient project preparation, close collaboration with the Vietnamese government, and strong green finance systems are essential for accelerating deployment and attracting further investments.

By focusing on energy security, climate resilience, and green infrastructure, we can ensure that EIB financing drives real, lasting and affordable change for the people of Vietnam and supports the country’s green transition.

VIR