Denmark has pursued a green transition and sustainable development-oriented growth model for more than 50 years, accumulating a wealth of diverse experiences and valuable lessons in this field.
Today, this Nordic country is one of the world’s leading nations in green transition, pioneering breakthrough technologies and mindsets that enable economic growth while conserving resources, improving efficiency, and minimizing environmental impact.
Between 1990 and 2021, Denmark’s GDP grew by 62%, while CO₂ emissions decreased by 43%, water consumption declined by 39%, and total energy consumption fell by 11%. Denmark accounts for only 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Concrete and Substantive Milestones in Cooperation
Vietnam and Denmark have long shared a tradition of cooperation in green growth and sustainable development, achieving many notable results. In 2011, the two countries established a Strategic Partnership in climate change, energy, environment, and green growth.
In 2013, they upgraded to a Comprehensive Partnership, with green transition and sustainable development remaining prominent themes across all areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, energy, healthcare, agriculture and food, and education.
The Vietnam–Denmark Energy Partnership Program (DEPP), launched in 2013, has delivered significant practical results. The two sides have developed and published Energy Outlook Reports, providing assessments and policy recommendations that support the sustainable development of the energy sector, promoting the use of clean and renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency.
Following that, the Vietnam–Denmark Strategic Sector Cooperation in Food and Agriculture, initiated in 2017, aims to support Vietnam’s green transition toward a more sustainable food system. Collaborative projects have had a clear impact on food safety in Vietnam, especially in areas like food processing, feed control, and traceability within the pork value chain.
In November 2023, Vietnam and Denmark established a Green Strategic Partnership, covering 10 comprehensive areas of cooperation, and adopted a Joint Action Plan for 2024–2025.
Additionally, in the economic cooperation sector, Vietnam focuses on attracting green investment and expanding partnerships in renewable energy, maritime transport, and logistics to enable businesses from both countries to seize opportunities from green supply chains and advanced technologies. Vietnam has attracted several high-quality, green investment projects from Denmark.
One notable example is the Lego Group’s carbon-neutral factory project in Binh Duong (Vietnam), with a total investment of USD 1.3 billion, creating about 4,000 jobs and officially inaugurated on April 9, 2025.
Most Danish projects in Vietnam focus on green production, emphasize social responsibility, and have wide-reaching influence, serving as models for high-quality investment projects and demonstrating Vietnam’s determination to attract green projects to achieve its Net Zero emissions target by 2050.
These substantive, specific projects and partnerships are clear evidence of the shared aspiration and vision between Vietnam and Denmark, while also reflecting the commitment and determination of the leaders and people of both countries to advance green growth and sustainable development, laying an important foundation to elevate bilateral relations to new heights.
An Active and Responsible Member
As one of the founding members and official partners of the P4G (Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030) Summit, Vietnam has actively and responsibly participated in and closely coordinated with other members to promote the Forum’s agenda, vision, and mission.
This year, Vietnam will closely collaborate with Denmark and other P4G members to organize the fourth P4G Summit in Hanoi.
With the theme “Sustainable Green Transition: Putting People at the Center,” the P4G Summit has proposed a rich agenda with concrete and substantive content. The Summit stands as evidence of Vietnam’s commitment to contributing practical solutions to accelerate green transition and sustainable development.
In a world facing fast, unpredictable changes and as the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 approaches, Vietnam’s efforts and determination have been acknowledged and supported by international partners. Denmark, as the initiator and largest financial contributor to P4G, has strongly supported Vietnam’s hosting of the Summit and has actively cooperated throughout the preparation and organization process.
P4G is a leading global forum for promoting public-private partnerships, connecting governments, businesses, and socio-political organizations to advance green growth.
Thus, by hosting the Summit, Vietnam has the opportunity to mobilize the participation of domestic and international businesses as well as P4G partners in the green transition, climate change response, and sustainable development.
Cooperation within the P4G framework further deepens the existing partnership between Vietnam and Denmark.
Through P4G, Vietnam can advocate for Denmark’s support in public-private partnerships and for financial and technical assistance to help small and micro-enterprises implement environmental protection and climate change adaptation initiatives.
These are highly practical areas for Vietnam, and to date, 12 projects have been or are being implemented in the country under this cooperation mechanism.
Looking ahead, green transition and sustainable development will continue to be global trends and the grand aspiration of humanity, aiming for improved happiness and quality of life. Green growth and sustainable development are strategic issues requiring joint efforts and participation from central and local governments, the public, businesses, socio-political organizations, and particularly the youth.
If given the right conditions and opportunities, young people will become an important force contributing to Vietnam’s and the world’s green growth and sustainable development journey.
Luong Thanh Nghi, Ambassador of Vietnam to Denmark