As published in Tuoi Tre on July 10, 2023

“I see that Ho Chi Minh City is strongly determined to implement the circular economy,” said Ms. Ramla Khalidi.

During her three-day visit from 5-7 July, Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam, explored potential areas of cooperation between the City and UNDP in the coming time.

Despite her arm being in a splint from an incident over two weeks ago, Ms. Khalidi enthusiastically took a walk in HCMC, immersing herself in the City’s vitality and vibrant atmosphere.

* How did you feel when you first arrived in Ho Chi Minh City?

This is my second official visit to HCMC but my first opportunity to truly experience the city. During my previous trip, I was here briefly to send off Field Hospital II Rotation 5 to South Sudan, and I departed within 24 hours. However, this visit marks my first official trip to HCMC since assuming my position at UNDP in September 2022. 

Being here is truly exhilarating. HCMC holds great significance in terms of economic, cultural and political influence. It serves as a dynamism and innovative hub, housing numerous businesses and business incubators. This presents an exceptional opportunity for me to witness and personally experience the vibrant spirit of Ho Chi Minh City.

I am captivated by the youthful energy that permeates this place, which is evident in the diverse array of shops and boutiques. I look forward to further exploring the streets as it will help me gain a deeper understanding of the city I am visiting.

* What are your expectations for your business trip to HCMC?

- The primary purpose of my business trip is to explore various cooperation possibilities in both the public and private sectors. I had the privilege of meeting with Chairperson Phan Van Mai of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to discuss potential areas of collaboration between UNDP and the City. During our conversation, Mr. Mai said that with a population of over 10 million people, HCMC is in urgently need of enhanced capacity to address critical issues such as waste management, climate change adaptation, sustainable development and achieving net-zero energy consumption by 2050.

I am aware that HCMC, with its population of over 10 million people, faces the challenge of handling approximately 9,000 tons of waste generated daily. It is crucial to address this issue responsibly to ensure the safety of both the people and the environment. Drawing from UNDP's experience in five other cities, we can provide valuable insights to Ho Chi Minh City regarding increasing awareness about plastic waste, implementing waste sorting and recycling practices, as well as incorporating technology in garbage collection and recycling activities. Recycling not only contributes to environmental cleanliness but also holds potential as a business opportunity.

Our intention is to collaborate closely with Ho Chi Minh City in identifying innovative solutions and approaches to tackle these significant challenges that impact people's lives. I have observed a strong determination from the city to drive the implementation of the circular economy.

Given that Ho Chi Minh City is recognized as a key driver of the national economy, it is logical to focus on business-oriented initiatives such as promoting the circular economy and responsible business practices. We can offer support through various projects that encourage the development of sustainable businesses in HCMC, with the aim of extending these practices to other enterprises elsewhere.

* This year marks the 45th anniversary of UNDP's presence in Viet Nam, and this partnership continues to grow stronger. What is the difference in the focus of UNDP's activities in Viet Nam then and now?

- UNDP has been one of the first international organizations in Viet Nam and I am honored to be part of this journey, accompanying Viet Nam in overcoming challenges and establishing its position in the region. Initially, UNDP's support was primarily focused on providing basic humanitarian assistance. However, as time passed, out collaboration expanded to encompass policy discussions and government reforms.

Viet Nam’s development trajectory is truly inspiring, with remarkable achievements in poverty reduction, economic growth and multilateral cooperation. While acknowledging these successes, we also recognize the new challenges, particularly in the realm of climate change. In my opinion, climate change adaptation will remain a critical area for Viet Nam to prioritize in order to enhance resilience, particularly in coastal communities. 

We are committed to supporting Viet Nam in the Just Energy Transition Partnership and in achieving its dual goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

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Economic hardship is just temporary

According to Ms. Ramla Khalidi, the global economic slowdown poses a challenge, with increased lending interest rates and uncontrolled inflation being prevalent worldwide. The decline in global commodity demand has resulted in reduced imports for major economies. For Viet Nam and Ho Chi Minh City, where exports play a significant role, this translates into fewer orders, creating difficulties for businesses to sustain their operations. 

"However, I believe that this challenging period will be transient, and we anticipate positive indicators by the end of the year," stated the UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam. “In the meantime, it is crucial to foster encouragement and support for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, to navigate through this stormy period”.