Việt Nam has made significant progress in strengthening its position in global manufacturing and now has the capabilities needed to participate more deeply in international supply chains.

HÀ NỘI — More Dutch companies are looking to source precision engineering, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing products from Vietnamese suppliers as global companies diversify their supply chains, opening new opportunities for companies to integrate into Europe's high-tech industrial ecosystem.

The opportunity was highlighted at the Việt Nam–Netherlands Manufacturing Cooperation Workshop held in Hà Nội on July 6.

Rick Slettenhaar, deputy ambassador of the Netherlands to Việt Nam, said Việt Nam has made significant progress in strengthening its position in global manufacturing and now has the capabilities needed to participate more deeply in international supply chains.

"Many Vietnamese companies already possess strong manufacturing capabilities," he said.

"The next step now is to connect these capabilities with international supply chains."

He noted that the Netherlands' high-tech industry, including companies specialising in precision manufacturing, mechatronics and semiconductor equipment, depends heavily on extensive international supplier networks and is continuously searching for reliable manufacturing partners.

"This is why cooperation between Dutch and Vietnamese ecosystems in the field of high-tech is growing," he said.

Slettenhaar pointed to companies such as ASML, the global leader in semiconductor lithography systems, which is strengthening supply chain connections in Việt Nam. Other Dutch firms, including VDL and Technotion, are also expanding their operations and supplier networks in the country.

"At the same time, more Dutch companies are looking to source more from Việt Nam," he added.

To facilitate those partnerships, he encouraged Vietnamese enterprises to participate in Dutch Precision Week this November, describing the event as a gateway to the Netherlands' high-tech manufacturing ecosystem.

The exhibition will allow businesses to meet original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, technology institutes and potential business partners while gaining a better understanding of market requirements.

"Many successful business partnerships start with a first conversation. The Dutch Precision Week is an ideal place to do so," Slettenhaar said.

The growing interest from Dutch manufacturers comes as Europe reshapes its industrial strategy around resilient supply chains, low-carbon production and advanced manufacturing.

Bùi Quang Hưng, Deputy Director General of the Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said manufacturing has become increasingly important as the global economy undergoes structural changes driven by digital transformation, green development and supply chain diversification.

The European Union is promoting industrial policies that prioritise resilient supply chains, carbon reduction, smart manufacturing and innovation.

Hưng described the Netherlands as one of Europe's leading logistics, trade and high-tech manufacturing hubs, making it an ideal partner for Việt Nam.

"With strengths in precision engineering, semiconductors, automation, smart logistics and the circular economy, the Netherlands is not only an important trading partner but also a highly promising partner for investment cooperation, technology transfer and supply chain development with Việt Nam," he said.

Although Việt Nam has become a manufacturing base for multinational corporations in electronics, precision engineering, electrical equipment and other high-tech sectors, Hưng acknowledged that domestic companies still generate relatively limited value added because many remain concentrated in assembly work and the production of simple components.

For Vietnamese enterprises hoping to become suppliers to Dutch manufacturers, Võ Thị Ngọc Diệp, trade counsellor at the Vietnam Embassy in the Netherlands, said the Netherlands offers advantages beyond its domestic market.

Goods entering through the Netherlands can circulate throughout the EU single market without additional intra-EU customs procedures, making the country an effective gateway to Europe.

Rather than relying on broad trade promotion campaigns, Diệp proposed shifting towards sector-specific supplier development programmes targeting precision engineering, electronics, semiconductors, automation and supporting industries.

She recommended combining trade missions with factory visits, technical consultations and business matching programmes before international exhibitions while incorporating Dutch Precision Week into Việt Nam's national trade promotion activities.

Diệp also urged stronger support to help manufacturers comply with EU technical requirements through training on CE marking, machinery regulations and RoHS standards, alongside programmes that improve export readiness.

For businesses themselves, she advised preparing English-language corporate profiles, comprehensive technical documentation and internationally recognised certifications while responding quickly to sample orders.

She said enterprises should gradually move away from competing primarily on price and instead differentiate themselves through quality, innovation, transparency, reliable delivery and after-sales services.

The Vietnam Trade Office in the Netherlands will continue providing market information, connecting business partners and supporting practical cooperation projects as more Dutch companies explore sourcing opportunities in Việt Nam, Diệp added.

The southern metropolis has unveiled its 2026–2030 Master Plan for E-commerce Development.

Ho Chi Minh City has unveiled its 2026–2030 Master Plan for E-commerce Development, setting ambitious targets to accelerate digital commerce and promote sustainable growth.

Under the plan, 70% of the city's adult population is expected to shop online by 2030, while e-commerce retail sales are projected to grow by an average of 25% annually, accounting for 20% of total retail sales across the city.

The plan identifies e-commerce as a key pillar of the digital economy, aiming to optimize the entire value chain—from production and business operations to consumer experience. It also seeks to balance economic growth with social equity and environmental protection.

A major focus of the strategy is the development of green and sustainable e-commerce. By 2030, the city aims to reduce the proportion of products using plastic packaging to no more than 45%, while increasing the share of recycled packaging to 50%.

In addition, at least 40% of logistics companies are expected to adopt clean energy solutions, and 50% of businesses are targeted to implement environmentally friendly packaging standards, supporting the transition toward a low-carbon and more sustainable digital economy.

With an appropriate regulatory foundation now in place, Vietnam can move forward on meeting its net-zero commitments and accessing growth opportunities.

Carbon markets are rapidly evolving from policy instruments into new arenas for international cooperation and economic competition. For Vietnam, early, proactive, and well-informed participation will be critical not only in delivering on its emission reduction commitments but also in unlocking new growth opportunities as the country transitions toward a green economy.

In pursuit of its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the Vietnamese Government has accelerated the development of a comprehensive legal framework for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, the domestic carbon market, and its integration with international carbon trading systems.

The regulatory foundation is now largely in place. It includes Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP on GHG mitigation and ozone layer protection, as amended by Decree No. 119/2025/ND-CP, and most recently Decree No. 112/2026/ND-CP, issued on April 1, 2026, governing the international exchange of GHG emission reduction outcomes and carbon credits.

The latest decree establishes the legal basis for transferring and exchanging emission reduction outcomes between Vietnam and international partners through mechanisms operating both within and outside the framework of the Paris Agreement. It is expected to support Vietnam’s climate targets while helping attract investment and low emissions technologies.

At the same time, growing interest from Vietnamese businesses, particularly in export manufacturing, energy, and agriculture and forestry, has driven increasing demand for guidance on developing carbon credit projects and accessing international carbon markets. Several local governments have also begun exploring ways to leverage emission reduction opportunities to support green economic development, highlighting the need for greater awareness, technical capacity, and stronger market connectivity.

Building capacity

As the State authority responsible for climate change policy and carbon market development, the Department of Climate Change recognizes that effective implementation of the new regulatory framework will depend on strengthening the capacity of both government agencies and the private sector.

Enhancing understanding of domestic regulations, international market requirements, and technical standards has become increasingly important as Vietnamese organizations prepare to participate in global carbon markets. Equally important is expanding cooperation with international partners, financial institutions, and market participants to create new opportunities for carbon credit transactions and climate investment.

Preparing adequate institutional arrangements, technical expertise, and financial resources will also be essential in ensuring that Vietnam’s participation in international carbon markets is transparent, credible, and effective.

Three priorities

Against this backdrop, a July 23 forum entitled “Promoting Cooperation on Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes Towards the Implementation of National and Corporate Emission Reduction Commitments” focused on three key priorities.

The first was updating participants on Vietnam’s latest legal framework governing the international exchange of GHG emission reduction outcomes and carbon credits. The discussions aimed to help businesses better understand the regulatory environment, including their rights, obligations, and the conditions for participating in international carbon markets.

The second priority examined emerging opportunities, market trends, and evolving requirements through insights from international organizations, financial institutions, and development partners. These discussions highlighted increasingly stringent global expectations surrounding carbon credit quality, data transparency, and technical compliance.

The third focused on assessing and strengthening the readiness of Vietnamese businesses. Participants explored practical steps for developing carbon projects, selecting appropriate measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) methodologies, and connecting projects with available sources of climate finance and technical assistance.

Strengthening collaboration

The active participation of policymakers, international experts, and businesses generated valuable insights that will help strengthen cooperation between government agencies and the private sector in using market-based mechanisms to achieve both national and corporate emissions reduction goals.

The dialogue also reinforced international cooperation on carbon credits by connecting Vietnamese businesses with global sources of financing, technical support, and market expertise while aligning those opportunities with national policy priorities.

As international carbon markets continue to expand, strengthening institutional capacity and deepening collaboration between governments, businesses, and global partners will be essential to enabling Vietnam to meet its climate commitments and compete successfully in the emerging green economy.

(*) Mr. Nguyen Tuan Quang is a Deputy Director of the Department of Climate Change at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.