The high-level dialogue between government leaders and businesses at the 2025 P4G Vietnam Summit last week, chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, brought together senior officials, global experts, international organisations, and private sector leaders.

They recognised that the climate crisis, digital transformation, and resource depletion are converging in ways that demand not only innovation, but deep and long-term collaboration between the public and private sectors.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed acknowledged Vietnam’s leadership in renewable energy, noting its potential to attract trillions in sustainable investment.

“Emerging economies must accelerate the adoption of new investment models, particularly those that align private capital with green infrastructure priorities. Governments must work with the private sector to expand ambition, strengthen accountability, and deliver real impact,” she said.

From Italy, Prime Minister’s Climate Envoy Francesco Corvaro stressed that public-private partnerships (PPPs) are indispensable in addressing climate finance gaps. Drawing from Italy’s experience, he underscored the importance of public investment as a risk mitigator, enabling private sector participation in clean energy and smart infrastructure projects.

“Public investment can unlock private capital, but local authorities must lead with clear priorities and long-term vision,” Corvaro noted. “You can’t talk about renewables, AI, or digital infrastructure without modern, resilient grids, and that requires strong public-private alignment.” he said

Alejandro Dorado, Spain’s High Commissioner for Circular Economy, argued that the case for stronger PPPs lies at the intersection of two accelerating forces: the environmental-climate crisis and a wave of disruptive technologies.

“In a world where AI, green technologies, and digitalisation are reshaping the global economy, the clock is ticking. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we have less than a decade to prevent irreversible climate disaster. Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum has identified biodiversity loss as one of the most severe economic risks,” he said.

Dorado added that while multilateralism is being questioned or weakened in some quarters, the need for cooperation has never been more urgent – both to solve environmental challenges and to harness the transformative potential of innovation.

“No government or business can tackle these crises alone. Public authorities must provide the regulatory frameworks, fiscal incentives, and infrastructure deployment needed at scale to safeguard the common good,” he stressed.

From the business side, Stuart Livesey, country representative of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), provided a frank but optimistic outlook. Livesey stated CIP’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s transition, but emphasised the need for enabling conditions.

“What we seek are clear, bankable projects underpinned by stable regulatory frameworks, collaborating with strong local partnerships. This is where public-private cooperation becomes not just helpful, but essential,” Livesey noted. “Over the next 10-15 years, the offshore wind sector and green energy consumers will trigger massive demand for new technologies, digital solutions, and skilled labour.”

To meet this demand, CIP is investing not only in infrastructure, but also in capacity building, research and development, and local supply chain development through partnerships with Vietnamese universities.

Still, he acknowledged barriers. “Technological application and innovation in green projects face challenges, from long-term financing constraints and skilled labour shortages to fragmented policy signals. These are not unique to Vietnam, but they require proactive, tailored local solutions,” he said. “Addressing issues such as grid availability, regulatory clarity, and inter-ministerial coordination will be critical.”

Tim Evans, CEO of HSBC Vietnam, stated that the banking sector is ready to facilitate green finance, particularly in sectors aligned with national climate targets.

“We see ourselves as a bridge between global capital and local sustainability goals. The clearer the pipeline of bankable, climate-aligned projects, the faster we can move capital,” he noted. “What’s crucial now is consistency in policy and coordination among stakeholders to ensure these projects reach maturity.”

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the conference. (Photo: VNA)

Can Tho – Unlocking all modes of transport, including road, air, maritime, inland waterway, and rail, is key to lifting the Mekong Delta out of poverty and propelling its growth, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has said.

Addressing a conference in Can Tho city on April 21 to review the progress of major transport infrastructure projects in the south, PM Chinh underlined that each generation must contribute to achieving this overarching goal.

According to the road network plan for 2021–2030 with a vision to 2050, the region will have 1,256km of roads, comprising three vertical and three horizontal expressways.

Currently, 121km of vertical expressways have been completed, including Ben Luc – Trung Luong – My Thuan (91km), My Thuan – Can Tho (23km) and My Thuan 2 Bridge (7km). From 2021 to 2025, ten additional expressway projects totalling 432km are being implemented. A further 703km are planned for the coming time, including the 90km Ca Mau – Dat Mui route.

With strong Government oversight and local cooperation, issues such as land clearance and the supply of construction materials have been largely resolved, allowing smoother implementation.

Key projects include Can Tho – Ca Mau (110km), which is scheduled to complete by 2025; Chau Doc – Can Tho – Soc Trang (191km), expected to finish in July 2026; and Cao Lanh – An Huu, to be completed by 2027. Meanwhile, the My An – Cao Lanh project’s construction will begin June 2025, the Cao Lanh – Lo Te and Lo Te – Rach Soi projects have their construction deadlines in 2025, and the Ho Chi Minh Road (Rach Soi – Ben Nhat, Go Quao – Vinh Thuan) and Rach Mieu 2 Bridge are all scheduled for completion this year.

In aviation, the region currently has four airports: Can Tho, Ca Mau, Rach Gia and Phu Quoc. A high-speed rail line connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho (174km) is planned for investment before 2030, with a future extension to Ca Mau under review.

The maritime network includes 12 seaports across all delta localities, while a comprehensive system of inland waterways and logistics corridors is being developed.

PM Chinh affirmed that in special circumstances, with extraordinary efforts and methods, exceptional results have been achieved, surpassing initial targets.

He outlined three key requirements for all infrastructure projects: completion on time or ahead of schedule, high quality, and no cost overruns, adding there must be zero corruption and strict adherence to environmental standards.

The PM instructed the Ministry of Construction to issue guidance next week on adopting advanced technologies to accelerate construction.

With building materials now largely secured, he called on relevant ministries to expedite the reallocation of sand and the transfer of mining rights between projects to ensure resource efficiency. The Ministry of Finance was tasked with guaranteeing sufficient funding.

Drawing inspiration from the Great Spring 1975 Victory, the PM called for “faster, bolder and greater” action in transport infrastructure development, stating that each year must be better than the last, and each term must surpass the one before. He stressed a long-term vision that prioritises national interests above all.

By the end of the current term, the region is expected to have 600km of expressways, with a goal of at least 1,300km by 2030 – 100km more than initially planned.

Plans are also in motion to expand Phu Quoc, Ca Mau and Rach Gia airports, with local governments responsible for land clearance. Key seaports under development include Cai Cui, Tran De and Hon Khoai.

The Government leader also underscored the need for comprehensive and inclusive development, underpinned by transparency and accountability, with clear responsibilities, clear timelines, and clear outcomes.

He reiterated the principles of ensuring the benefits of the State, the people and enterprises, and say no to corruption and wastefulness of public assets and resources.

Beyond transport, the Government plans initiatives to combat land subsidence, erosion, and salinity, and to enhance health care, education and human resources development, he stated.

In celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975), the ceremony of the AEON Hai Duong shopping centre is one of the events held as part of the simultaneous commencement and inauguration ceremonies across the northern, central, and southern regions for key national projects and major developments.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, leaders of central agencies and Hai Duong province, together with representatives of AEON Vietnam, presided over the ceremony

Tezuka Daisuke, executive officer, chief Vietnam business officer of AEON (Japan), general director of AEON Vietnam said, “AEON Hai Duong has a total floor area of approximately 3.6 hectares with a total investment of around $47.2 million. We believe that AEON Hai Duong will contribute to the local economic development and create around 1,000 new job opportunities, help encourage the consumption of high-quality local products from Hai Duong province, and make a positive contribution to the region’s sustainable development.”

Naoki Ito, Ambassador of Japan to Vietnam said, “AEON has become an indispensable part of people’s lives not only in Japan but also in Vietnam. I think it is wonderful that the urban development process in many regions of Vietnam is progressing, and AEON is playing a role in that. The AEON Hai Duong shopping centre truly reflects the continued expansion of AEON Vietnam’s business activities.”

Strategically positioned in the heart of Hai Duong, AEON Hai Duong enjoys a prime location at the Ring Road No.1 and Vo Nguyen Giap Avenue, just 2km from Hanoi – Haiphong Expressway. Spanning an estimated gross floor area (GFA) of approximately 38,100 squae metres, the shopping centre will feature ample parking space for nearly 600 cars and 1,200 motorcycles.

Designed with the concept of a “Third Place,” AEON Hai Duong aims to be a familiar and welcoming destination where customers can relax, connect, and enjoy meaningful moments.

This concept is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of the design, from the architectural exterior to the interior layout. The expression is classified into three zones: Food, Beauty, and Fashion. Each zone offers a diverse range of experiences while embodying a modern lifestyle.

The AEON Hai Duong shopping centre has a total investment of up to $47.2 million and is expected to commence operations in 2026

AEON Hai Duong promises to be a destination where customers can experience a modern shopping environment, enjoy a wide range of quality products and services, and embrace a new lifestyle. It marks a significant milestone in AEON Group’s strategy of expanding business location into new provinces in Vietnam.

With a desire of contributing to the journey towards the development of the Red River Delta region in general and Hai Duong in particular, through opening each AEON shopping centre, AEON Vietnam not only pursues the retailer’s mission of providing quality products and services, enriching the lifestyle of local customers; but also aims to build an ecosystem that creates more value for local suppliers, manufacturers, tenants, employees of both AEON and tenants.

Thus, AEON joins hands to contribute to the socioeconomic development of the local community. In a strategic move to align with the province’s ambitious vision for 2030 and 2050, AEON Hai Duong has set forth to become “A paradise for three generations of families.”

This initiative is designed to deliver multifaceted value to key stakeholders. For customers, particularly multi-generational families in Hai Duong, AEON offers a comprehensive experience encompassing quality products, diverse dining options, and engaging entertainment, all while fostering a sense of community belonging. Local suppliers are also poised to benefit from growth opportunities and enhanced market access through collaborative partnerships.

Furthermore, AEON’s commitment to the local community involves supporting Hai Duong’s transformation into a modern industrial province by driving job creation, income generation, and talent development, thereby fostering a skilled workforce.

Additionally, AEON is contributing to the development of a green, smart, and modern urban system in Hai Duong, advancing modern retail practices that stimulate economic activity and support sustainable growth, consistent with the province’s long -term vision of becoming a centrally run city by 2050.