Ho Chi Minh City, March 31, 2026 – The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organized a validation  workshop titled “Advancing low-emission private vehicles in Ho Chi Minh City: Technology, Policy, and Market Solutions.” The workshop brought together approximately 80 participants from ministries, government agencies, city authorities, development partners, research institutes, and the private sector.

The event occurred in the context of Ho Chi Minh City accelerating solutions to reduce emissions in the transport sector in response to climate change and to improve air quality. As a major economic hub with a population of over 13 million and travel demand largely dependent on private vehicles, the city is facing increasing pressure from traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

The workshop is part of the Climate Promise initiative, implemented by UNDP with support from the Government of Japan. Under this initiative, UNDP has conducted a comprehensive technical study to provide a scientific and practical basis for policy measures, identifying investment priorities, and proposing feasible solutions to accelerate the transition toward cleaner private vehicles in Ho Chi Minh City.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Bui Hoai An, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, emphasized: “Green transport development is not only a trend but also a crucial foundation and driving force for socio-economic development in countries around the world. In Viet Nam, advancing green transport is not merely a requirement but a significant breakthrough. It is not merely about technology application but also represents a comprehensive transformation in institutions, human resources, and national governance. It also serves as a catalyst for building and developing a domestic industry with technological self-reliance, particularly in strategic technologies, while promoting deep, effective, and substantive cooperation.”

Speaking at the workshop, Ms. Francesca Nardini, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Viet Nam, stated: “Through this initiative, we are working closely with the Government of Viet Nam to translate national climate commitments into concrete, evidence-based actions.”

She also emphasized: “A key message emerging from this process is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. A successful transition requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that combines policy, investment, and partnerships, while mobilizing government leadership, private sector innovation, and public participation.”

The workshop presented and discussed key topics, including comparisons of low-emission vehicle technologies, assessments of market and infrastructure readiness, analyses of user behavior, and policy mechanisms and investment opportunities. Participants also exchanged views on priority actions and potential pilot models to be implemented in the near future, to promote public–private partnerships and develop a clean transport ecosystem.

The outcomes and recommendations from the workshop will support Ho Chi Minh City in refining policies, guiding investment, and implementing concrete solutions to accelerate the transition to low-emission private transport in the coming period.

For media inquires, please contact:
Phan Huong Giang   
UNDP Media and Communications Analyst, Climate Change, Energy and Environment 
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org 
Mobile: 0948466688