Vietnam-Germany Workshop on Energy Policy
On the occasion of the visit to Vietnam of the Minister of Economics, Labor and Technology of Thueringen state (Germany), on March 7, the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) and the FES Institute (Germany) organized a workshop "Energy policy in the 21st century - Challenges for Vietnam and Germany."
Attending the event were German Ambassador to Vietnam, Ms. Jutta Gisela Frasch; leaders of the Central Institute for Economic Management, FES (Germany), Vietnam Energy Institute and many Vietnamese and German researchers.
At the workshop, Thuringian Minister of Economics, Labor and Technology, Dr. Matthias Machnig, highlighted the role of energy in the 21st century, the challenges of climate change as well as the global financial crisis that show the need to transform the global economy towards sustainable development and "green growth." Such a transformation requires reorganizing production systems, consumption structures and human lifestyles in a low-emission, resource-saving and sustainable way.
In addition to sharing Germany's energy policy in energy production and use, Dr. M. Machnig presented policy recommendations on the use of renewable energy and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; on the need to build a clear strategy and strong economic tools in the green growth strategy. These include tax policies for products that affect the environment, funds to support the transition process in the energy sector; and regulations on costs when people use fossil energy or renewable energy...
In addition, there is the need to build a system of standards for goods related to the environment. For example, when consumers buy a television, they will pay attention to the label showing the CO2 emission index into the environment when used.
Dr. Matthias Machnig commented that Vietnam has a long coastline, which can develop wind energy. Vietnam has large biomass resources in rural areas, which will be a resource for renewable energy production.
Deputy Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management, Dr. Vo Tri Thanh shared about the current status of energy production and consumption, how to link energy development with green economic development; about policies to balance increasing electricity prices while ensuring the poor and low-income people use electricity; and the issue of renewable energy development.
The workshop highlighted that energy policy plays a key role in the transition towards sustainability and “green growth” in both Vietnam and Germany. Evidence and figures show that the patterns of energy production and consumption in the two countries are quite different. While Vietnam needs 2% more energy to generate 1% more GDP growth, Germany’s primary energy consumption to GDP growth ratio is less than 1:1.
The “green growth” model is acceptable in Asia if it is accompanied by increased prosperity throughout society, which requires the use of energy. The key here is therefore a revolution in energy efficiency. However, such a shift in energy policy cannot be achieved by relying solely on market-oriented instruments. The state needs to have a proactive industrial policy./.
According to (TTXVN) - LT
