The meeting aimed to provide updates on the process of implementation and coordination among stakeholders involved in JETP implementation in Vietnam. Discussions revolved around four key areas: introduction of personnel and advisory support for the IGIP and the Electricity Authority of Vietnam (EAVN); proposals and steps toward formalizing the JETP Secretariat; updates on the Adjustment of Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8); and strategies to accelerate project implementation under the JETP framework.

Participants included representatives from IGIP, EAVN, the International Partners Group (IPG) from British Embassy and European Union in Vietnam, the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The meeting was chaired by Ms. Nguyen The Lam Giang, Director General of IGIP.

During the meeting, delegates were introduced to the organizational structure of IGIP, the personnel and advisory team designated to support IGIP and EAVN throughout the JETP implementation process.

This team comprises senior local policy advisors, international technical experts, senior energy consultants, and specialists in energy, finance, legal affairs, and technology, many of whom have extensive experience in designing and implementing energy projects in Vietnam.

Regarding the formalization of the JETP Secretariat, Mr. Hoang Van Tam, Head of the Climate Change and Green Growth Division at IGIP, shared that the Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently proposing to consolidate the JETP Working Groups into two main groups: the Synthesis and Energy Working Group, led by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Institutional, Finance, and Investment Policy Working Group, to be led by the Ministry of Finance. The latter will combine two former groups — the Institutional, Policy and Investment Group and the Finance Group — previously chaired by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance, respectively.

“We have now received most of the feedback from relevant ministries and agencies and expect to report to the leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Trade within this week, before submitting the proposal to the Prime Minister for approval of the restructured JETP Secretariat,” emphasized Mr. Hoang Van Tam.

Providing updates on the Adjustment of Power Development Plan VIII, Mr. Tang The Hung, Deputy Director General of EAVN, noted that the Prime Minister approved the adjustment of PDP8 on April 15, 2025. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is expected to issue the corresponding implementation plan in early May. Once approved, the Ministry will send official documents to provincial People’s Committees to facilitate the update and proposal of new project portfolios.

Mr. Hung added that, under the adjustment of PDP8, the share of renewable energy in the power generation mix is expected to increase substantially from now until 2030, thereby necessitating the development of numerous new renewable energy projects. However, he also raised concerns over the limited implementation capacity and the complexity of procedures, which may discourage investors from pursuing projects under the JETP framework.

Given the potentially vast number of eligible projects (possibly in the thousands), Mr. Hung proposed that IPG and GFANZ develop a set of preliminary assessment criteria to enable project developers to self-assess alignment with JETP objectives before submitting formal proposals. This, he emphasized, would help save time and resources for both investors and regulators, and ensure a more focused and efficient project selection process in line with JETP priorities.

Regarding the promotion of JETP projects, IPG representative reported that IPG has specifically prioritized and supported financially 8 projects. These projects, especially the Bac Ai hydropower storage pump project, have recorded some significant progress. Currently, IPG has ODA funding available and stands ready to provide financial support. Nonetheless, the projects continue to face several implementation barriers, notably around ODA regulations and procedural requirements from National Load Dispatch Center (NSMO). The recent developments on feed-in tariffs for renewable energies were also mentioned as long-term stability is key to foreign investors.

From GFANZ’s side, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Vinh, GFANZ Country Director of Vietnam, expressed interest in co-financing the eight projects currently under IPG consideration. He also conveyed a desire for GFANZ to be more actively involved in JETP’s technical sub-working groups (SWGs), in order to identify investment opportunities early and facilitate timely communication with participating banks and financial institutions.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lam Giang stressed the urgency of accelerating project proposal and review processes under the JETP framework.

She called on EAVN to direct relevant agencies to promptly finalize dossiers for new projects, ensuring that all information is accurate, complete, and submitted in accordance with standardized templates — a critical prerequisite for securing international support and ensuring effective project implementation.

In addition, Ms. Giang urged all stakeholders to thoroughly review and address the current obstacles faced by the eight key projects receiving particular interest from IPG and GFANZ, to help remove bottlenecks and create favorable conditions for timely implementation.

She also underscored the importance of enhancing communication and ensuring regular updates on JETP’s official website. This, she noted, is essential not only for maintaining transparency but also for enabling international partners and investors to easily track progress and stay informed on relevant policies and mechanisms.