As plastic pollution increasingly emerges as a development challenge, Viet Nam is facing an urgent need to mobilize and effectively utilize resources to support the transition toward a circular plastics economy. At the 7th Implementation Working Group Workshop of the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Viet Nam, held on December 16, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, together with development partners, announced the Financial Roadmap for Plastic Action toward 2030. The roadmap estimates investment needs of USD 7.5–8.5 billion, while underscoring the role of multi-stakeholder cooperation in linking policy, finance, and practical implementation solutions.

As the Viet Nam–United Kingdom Comprehensive Partnership continues to be strengthened, cooperation in climate change response, green transition, and sustainable development has been identified by both sides as a key priority, contributing to the shared goals of Net-Zero emissions and sustainable growth.

At a working session with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Switzerland to Viet Nam on December 15, the Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang expressed appreciation for the Swiss Government’s proposal on cooperation in carbon credit exchange under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. He emphasized that international carbon credit exchange would support countries in fulfilling their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) while working toward the shared goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

On December 12, during a meeting with Mr. Tsutomu Takebe, Special Advisor to the Japan–Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance and former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang affirmed that high-quality human resource development is a key pillar for elevating agricultural cooperation between Viet Nam and Japan. In a context where the two countries demonstrate clear complementarities in labor and technology, cooperation in education and training linked with practical experience and entrepreneurship has been identified as a strategic direction.

On December 9, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep received Mr. Lee Choong Yun, Vice Chairman of S-TEC SYSTEM Co., Ltd., to officially receive a donation of VND 2 billion to support residents of Dak Lak province in recovering from recent natural disasters. This contribution represents timely and heartfelt solidarity from the enterprise towards the affected communities.

The USD 2 million emergency grant underscores ADB’s commitment to supporting Viet Nam in disaster response and assisting central provinces hit hard by recent storms and floods in overcoming difficulties.

On November 26 in Hanoi, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh met with a delegation from the EU–ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham). The dialogue took place as Vietnam accelerates its green transition and strengthens its legal framework for sustainable development—creating new space for European businesses to expand cooperation in circular economy initiatives, carbon markets, recycling, and smart agriculture.

During a working session on November 26 with a delegation of World Bank (WB) experts, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reaffirmed its commitment to completing the financing agreement for the MERIT–WB11 project, titled “Enhancing climate resilience and integrated transformation of the Mekong Delta region,” by 2026. This is one of the largest climate-adaptation projects supported by the World Bank in the Mekong Delta, with a proposed total investment of approximately USD 741 million.

On November 21 in Suoi Giang, Lao Cai province, the Agricultural and Environmental Magazine introduced its new publication, the Agricultural Tourism Magazine. The bilingual edition aims to honor local cultural identity, spotlight sustainable tourism models, and serve as a bridge connecting regional agricultural products with domestic and international travelers.

Vietnam stands ready to provide the necessary policy support to help Iowa businesses invest and operate effectively and sustainably, Minister Tran Duc Thang affirmed, emphasizing the substantial potential to expand agricultural trade between the two sides.

On 14 November, during a working session between Minister Tran Duc Thang and Malaysian Ambassador to Viet Nam Dato’ Tan Yang Thai, the Minister expressed confidence that, through streamlined administrative procedures, stronger dialogue between competent authorities, and enhanced mutual recognition of standards and certifications, bilateral trade in agro-forestry-fishery products will continue to grow.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) marks a significant step forward in their strategic partnership, aiming for sustainable agriculture and environmental development, biodiversity conservation, and emissions reduction. This event represents more than a formal occasion; it embodies a concrete commitment to translate the vision of nature protection and green development into tangible action in Vietnam.

On November 5, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh met with Mr. Seogdae Yun, Chairman of the Asia Water Council (AWC). The meeting aimed to strengthen policy cooperation, promote investment, and facilitate technology transfer in water resources management and climate adaptation.

On November 5, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam, in collaboration with the Vietnam Water and Environment Association and the Northern Federation for water resources planning and investigation, convened the 23rd meeting of the Asia Water Council (AWC) and the AWC 2025 technical workshop under the theme “Sustainable water governance, digital transformation, and investment cooperation for the future.” The event provided a platform for policymakers, scientists, and international organizations to share experiences, foster cooperation, and discuss technological solutions for sustainable water resource management across Asia.

As Vietnam faces increasing impacts of climate change, promoting the circular economy and advancing sustainable agricultural technologies play a crucial role in building a green and resilient agriculture sector.

At a meeting with Ros Bates MP, Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training of Queensland, Australia, held on November 3 in Ha Noi, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien reaffirmed that Australia, particularly the State of Queensland, remains one of Viet Nam’s most important agricultural partners. Both sides agreed to promote comprehensive cooperation in agriculture, trade, investment, research, and innovation, aiming toward green, sustainable agricultural development and balanced trade relations.

On November 3, 2025, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Thanh Nam met with Mr. Marcus Malsch, State Secretary of the Thuringian Ministry for Economy, Agriculture and Rural Development (Federal Republic of Germany), to discuss and align cooperation directions in agriculture, environment, and high-quality human resource training.