VSPA's Efforts for a Livable Environment for the People

In his report, Mr. Chung Tan Cuong, President of VSPA, highlighted that in the first eight months of 2024, VSPA focused on organizational restructuring, adding personnel to the association’s office, and forming more specialized committees and clubs to attract additional businesses and individuals. Notably, VSPA established a Research and Application Center for new technologies, and two provincial affiliated branches - Long An and Ben Tre Plastics Associations - along with various committees such as Social-Charity, Digital Transformation & Sustainable Development, Media-Events, and Green Media & Journalism.

VSPA has notably concentrated its efforts on developing specific programs through its functional committees to support its members in digital and green transformation, enhancing their global economic integration, and promoting exports. These programs, aimed at sustainable development in the plastics industry, include initiatives like greenhouse gas inventories and promoting waste sorting at source to fully recycle plastic waste, all while protecting the environment and nature in Ho Chi Minh City’s pursuit of becoming a smart, sustainable city for its residents.

At the event, upcoming projects and programs were introduced, such as the International Plastics Fair; the Green Brand and Sustainable Development Entrepreneur Award Program; the Clean and Green Saigon program; and phase two (2024–2027) of the National Green Islands program with the theme “Let’s Clean the Sea.”

Regarding development cooperation, VSPA has actively participated in numerous workshops, delivering reports and presentations at national seminars and consulates in Ho Chi Minh City. The association has also supported and participated in industrial activities in the Southern Key Economic Region and the Southwest.

Specifically, VSPA has contributed to research projects on taxes and policies to support businesses in developing a circular economy and has worked with some consumer goods manufacturers to increase packaging recycling rates. VSPA has also signed comprehensive cooperation agreements with the Vietnamese Family Newspaper and the Green Economy and Business Journal to jointly build communication programs to support member companies in brand building, promoting the use of domestically produced goods, and raising awareness about the role of plastics in the circular economy. The association has advocated for waste collection and recycling to avoid plastic waste pollution and marine microplastic contamination.

Additionally, VSPA has signed development cooperation agreements with organizations such as the Vietnam Association for Clean Water and Environment, the Ho Chi Minh City Semiconductor Microtechnology Association, the Ho Chi Minh City Management Technology and Economics Association, the Vietnam Coconut Association, and the ASEAN Central Vietnam Economic Association. The goal is to strengthen organizational coordination to promote environmental protection and tree planting in Ho Chi Minh City, extend activities to coastal and island areas, guide waste sorting, monitor greenhouse gas emissions and marine plastic waste, and support charitable initiatives.

VSPA is also working with the Vietnam Association for Clean Water and Environment and other associations to implement two major programs: Saigon Green City, which promotes environmental protection, tree planting, waste sorting at source, and reducing plastic waste - especially single-use plastic bags—and the National Green Islands program, which advocates for marine protection from plastic waste pollution and encourages more tree planting.

Through practical and innovative initiatives, VSPA continues to contribute to building a desirable living environment for residents in Ho Chi Minh City and beyond. By advancing digital transformation, sustainability, and environmental protection programs, VSPA not only enhances its members’ capacities but also plays a key role in fostering the circular economy. Its efforts in waste sorting, recycling, and safeguarding green islands have underscored VSPA's leadership in sustainable development.