Strengthening readiness of Vietnamese enterprises to participate in the carbon market

On 10 April 2026, the Climate Change Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organized a training workshop on the topic 'Strengthening readiness to participate in Vietnam's carbon market'. The program was held in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi in April 2026, with the participation of 110 enterprises allocated emission quotas for the pilot period 2025–2026. Through the program, participants were updated on regulations for greenhouse gas emission reductions and the principles of the carbon market; they explored the structure and operating mechanisms of the domestic carbon market, and practiced on the National Registry System. In addition, the program supported increasing readiness for carbon trading activities and compliance obligations, and created space for enterprises to exchange experiences and identify difficulties and challenges in implementation. Vietnam is actively advancing a roadmap for operating the domestic carbon market. Recent policy documents, such as Decree No. 29/2026/ND-CP on the domestic carbon trading floor and Prime Minister's Decision No. 263/QĐ-TTg approving the pilot emission quotas, have laid the legal foundations for launching the carbon market. The 110 enterprises participating in the program are those that will participate directly in Vietnam's carbon market. The program reiterates updates on emission-reduction regulations and carbon market principles, explains the structure and operating mechanism of the domestic market, and provides hands-on practice on the National Registry System. The program also aims to raise readiness for trading and compliance, and to facilitate knowledge exchange and problem-solving among enterprises. The carbon market is not only a duty, but an opportunity. Early and proactive participation will help enterprises optimize resources, plan production with emission controls, drive technological innovation, and build a competitive edge as global emission constraints tighten. Representatives of the Climate Change Department and UNDP reaffirmed their commitment to continue coordinating with government agencies, enterprises, and development partners to support the launch and operation of Vietnam's domestic carbon market. Francesca Nardini, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Vietnam, stated, “UNDP remains committed to supporting the Government of Vietnam in building a transparent and effectively functioning carbon market. UNDP has provided technical support to establish the National Registry for greenhouse gas emission allowances and carbon credits, playing a key role in ensuring transaction safety, tracking ownership, managing emission allowances as well as carbon credits.” Experts say that establishing a domestic carbon market is a crucial step toward turning Vietnam's climate commitments into concrete actions. A well-functioning carbon market will mobilize climate finance, spur low-emission investments, enhance competitiveness, and support the country’s transition toward green and sustainable growth. There are USD billions in opportunities for green transformation and emission reductions from the carbon market. The carbon trading floor is a vital piece to operate the carbon market, and reforms around forest carbon markets are being advanced to strengthen the legal framework and governance capacity.