Hanoi – Air quality in Laos has worsened, with PM 2.5 particles reaching hazardous levels, affecting cities across the country, the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reported on March 25.

The air quality index in the northern province of Xayaboury has reached a hazardous level, with PM 2.5 concentration hitting 284 micrograms per cu.m, exceeding the safety threshold of 50 micrograms per cu.m, the ministry said.

The capital city of Vientiane, and the provinces of Xieng Khuang and Sekong also saw PM 2.5 levels surpassing 260 micrograms per cu.m, reaching hazardous levels.

PM 2.5, the fine particulate matter that causes smog, is an air pollutant containing tiny particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres. With their extremely small size and harmful components, these particles can lodge in the lungs and enter blood vessels, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular disease.

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.

Vietnam Electric Cable Corporation (CADIVI), a leading brand in Vietnam’s electrical wire and cable market, has officially introduced a new line of eco-friendly products, featuring lead-free (LF) insulation and low smoke halogen-free (LSHF) materials.

Backed by significant investment in research and the application of advanced technology, the new LF and LSHF wire lines aim to reduce environmental pollution, enhance user safety, and minimise toxic smoke emissions in case of fire.

The initiative marks a notable step in improving electrical safety and supporting the protection of the community’s living environment.

Ho Quang Nhan, CEO of CADIVI, expects that the introduction of LF and LSHF electric cables will bring optimal solutions for green and eco-friendly buildings.

Ho Quang Nhan, CEO of CADIVI, expressed confidence that the introduction of these products will offer optimal solutions for green and eco-conscious construction projects. Both product lines are engineered with a focus on durability, safety, energy efficiency, and resource conservation—key criteria in sustainable building development.

For years, CADIVI has maintained strong investment in research and development, adopting cutting-edge technologies to create high-performance products that meet the growing demands of both domestic and international markets. This emphasis on innovation also strengthens the company’s competitive edge and supports Vietnam’s broader green economic transition.

“The green transition is not just a global trend—it’s a business strategy,” said Nhan. “While Việt Nam has support mechanisms such as LEED and EDGE certifications to encourage green development, enterprises must proactively invest in emissions-reducing technologies, including solar energy, natural ventilation systems, and low-carbon materials.”

According to Nhan, CADIVI promotes the use of non-toxic materials and modern production processes to reduce emissions. The company has also deployed rooftop solar systems at its factories and continues to optimise production to reduce material waste and improve operational efficiency.

“We are not only contributing to the development of green buildings but also actively participating in Việt Nam’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050,” he said.

CADIVI is a member of Gelex Electric JSC, under Gelex Group. As part of its development strategy, Gelex also places strong emphasis on R&D to drive sustainable product innovation and expand international cooperation through technology transfer.

Nguyen Trong Hien, chairman of Gelex Group, noted that the group encourages member companies to allocate up to 2 per cent of annual revenue to research and development in the electrical equipment sector, underscoring its commitment to fostering high-quality human resources and technological advancement.