Fund design remains under consultation
Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade held an October 20 workshop in Hanoi on a proposed fund to promote economical and efficient energy use. Officials said the design would be refined before an establishment proposal is submitted to the prime minister for consideration and decision.
The intended model is a non-profit state financial fund outside the budget. It would connect domestic, international and other mobilised resources, combining financial instruments with technical assistance for energy-saving projects. The workshop does not mean businesses can already apply for an operational loan programme.
Deputy department head Đặng Hải Dũng said greater energy efficiency could reduce supply pressure, production costs and emissions. Participants discussed governance, resource mobilisation, beneficiaries and suitable forms of support.
Technical assistance and implementation questions
The Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership plans technical support from September 2026 to August 2027 to examine investment potential, financing barriers and the fund's operating design. Proposed sources include public investment, commercial banks, development partners and climate finance.
Experts discussed preferential lending, interest support, project preparation, technical services and energy-service-company models. The intended fund would complement financial institutions rather than replace or compete with them. Its proposed principles exclude taking deposits or issuing bank guarantees.
BIDV shared experience managing entrusted government and donor funds. EVN representatives highlighted obstacles involving energy-service contracts, savings measurement, investment recovery and technical capacity. Their recommendations included standardised measurement and verification and independent assessment of providers. These remain contributions to the design process, rather than final operating rules already approved.