•    Mr. Nguyen Duc Toan, Director General, VN Agency of Seas and Islands, MAE
•    Colleagues and partners from government and localities in 05 countries Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos and Cambodia
•    Mr. Erlend Skutlaberg, First Secretarty, Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi,
•    Partners from think tanks, innovators, NGOs, CSOs, ladies and gentlemen

Good morning, Xin Chao!  

Five years ago, we began an ambitious journey with the launch of the first Ending Plastic Pollution Innovation Challenges. This initiative started at a crucial time when the global fight against plastic pollution was gaining momentum, and here in Viet Nam, the Government had just approved its National Action Plan on Marine Plastic Litter in December 2019.

Today, I am honored to stand with you at this closing workshop to reflect on the remarkable journey we have shared and the significant achievement we have made together.

This effort was never just about Viet Nam. It was a regional commitment, with Viet Nam collaborating closely with five other ASEAN countries. Together, we have worked tirelessly to promote innovative solutions for plastic pollution across the ASEAN region. 

While my colleagues will present the details of our achievements, I want to highlight a few key figures:

• We have sourced almost 350 innovative solutions aimed at combating plastic pollution over three phases: Phases 1 (Vietnam and Thailand), Phase 2 (Indonesia and the Phillippines) and Phase 3 (Laos and Cambodia). 
  Of these, more than 40 teams have received support through incubation programmes, and 12 teams were awarded seed funding of $18,000 each.
• Beyond the project's direct seed funding, these teams have secured nearly $700,000 in additional investment from other awards, impact investors, and financial institutions. This demonstrates the growing confidence of the investment community in these impactful solutions.
• Most importantly, these solutions have contributed significantly to the prevention and avoidance of nearly 3,500 tons of plastic that otherwise would have entered the environment.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Beyond fostering innovation, the EPPIC Project has been instrumental in supporting policy formulation and promoting an inclusive approach to plastic waste management. A significant focus has been on promoting Inclusive Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), ensuring that benefits extend to the crucial informal waste sector.

Furthermore, the project has provided critical support to Viet Nam in preparing for and negotiating the global treaty on plastic pollution, reinforcing the country's leadership on the international stage.

More importantly, gender mainstreaming and social inclusion have been central to this effort. Our selection process prioritized women-led innovations, with 22 out of 46 finalist teams being led by women. Moreover, the Project team actively worked to ensure that new innovations did not disrupt the livelihoods of informal waste workers, many of whom are women.

Colleagues and friends,
As we gather today, we mark the official closure of the EPPIC Project. However, this is not an end, but a continuation and amplification of the work the project has initiated. This is why, immediately after the EPPIC Closing Session, we are holding the innovative matchmaking session. In the afternoon, the event will continue with a session on the Secondary Material Marketplace, which is supported by GIZ, and will discuss the way forward with the new SEA-MaP Platform, a World Bank funded Initiative.

We envision a future for reducing plastic pollution: effective waste management techniques like co-processing, and other circular economy initiatives like Deposit Return Schemes, will flourish.

In the context of the upcoming global plastic treaty, we are confident that Viet Nam and other ASEAN countries will continue to be at the forefront of these efforts, building on the strong foundations laid by EPPIC.

I would like to extend our gratitude to Norway for their generous support. Your commitment has been the driving force behind the success. Our sincere thanks go to VASI and all government partners across the participating countries in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, and Cambodia for their active participation and dedication and to all innovators and stakeholders who have made this journey possible.

Together, we have laid the foundation for a future free of marine plastic pollution, one where innovation, inclusion and collaboration drive lasting change. 
Thank you, xin cam on!