Poland’s transition from a rapidly transforming economy into a more sustainable and technology driven system was highlighted in Hanoi as a potential reference point for countries such as Vietnam seeking to accelerate their own green development pathways.
The seminar “Green Champions of Growth: Lessons from Poland’s Economic Transition Toward a Sustainable and Circular Economy,” organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Hanoi and the Institute for European and American Studies (IEAS) under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, examined how economic modernization can be aligned with environmental objectives.
The discussion focused on the connection between green transition policies, industrial transformation and long term competitiveness, reflecting a broader global debate about how economies can maintain growth while addressing climate risks, resource constraints and energy security concerns.
Poland’s economic transformation has often been studied as an example of structural modernization, particularly following its integration into European economic and institutional frameworks. The country’s transition involved industrial restructuring, increased integration into global supply chains and significant investment in technology and infrastructure.
At the seminar, experts discussed how Poland’s current sustainability agenda is increasingly shaped by the objectives of the European Green Deal, which seeks to move the European Union toward climate neutrality while maintaining economic competitiveness.
Professor Marcin Piątkowski from Kozminski University emphasized Poland’s experience in economic development, innovation and competitiveness, highlighting the importance of institutional reforms, productivity improvements and investment in human capital.
The lessons from Poland’s experience are particularly relevant for emerging economies attempting to avoid a tradeoff between industrial growth and environmental performance. Instead, green transition strategies are increasingly being viewed as mechanisms for attracting investment, strengthening technological capacity and improving economic resilience.
The seminar placed significant attention on the circular economy, a model focused on reducing resource consumption, increasing recycling and improving material efficiency across industries.
As resource pressures intensify globally, governments and companies are increasingly exploring circular approaches to manufacturing, waste management and energy use. These strategies are becoming part of broader industrial competitiveness policies rather than being treated only as environmental measures.
GreenEvo, Poland’s Green Technology Accelerator initiative under the Ministry of Climate and Environment, presented examples of Polish environmental technologies supporting this transition. The delegation showcased 12 Polish technologies covering areas including water management, waste treatment, recycling, biodiversity protection, air quality improvement and climate solutions.
Such technologies reflect the expanding market for environmental innovation. Companies operating in these sectors are increasingly expected to provide solutions that reduce emissions while also improving operational efficiency and lowering dependence on finite resources.
The seminar also addressed the role of energy transition as a major factor shaping future economic development.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Chien Thang of IEAS noted that green growth, circular economy principles, energy transition and innovation are becoming central drivers of economic transformation. He argued that climate change, resource limitations and energy security challenges are forcing countries to reconsider traditional growth models.
For developing economies, the challenge is balancing immediate industrial needs with long term sustainability objectives. Transitioning energy systems requires investment in renewable technologies, infrastructure upgrades and workforce capabilities, while businesses must adapt to changing regulatory requirements and market expectations.
Poland’s experience demonstrates that industrial competitiveness increasingly depends on the ability to integrate environmental performance with economic strategy. However, the transition also requires careful management of costs, particularly for industries exposed to international competition.
The event also highlighted opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and Poland in areas including clean technology, digital transformation, scientific research and skills development.
Polish Ambassador Joanna Skoczek emphasized that bilateral cooperation has expanded across trade, education, research and cultural exchange, creating a foundation for deeper collaboration in emerging sectors.
For Vietnam, which has set ambitious development goals while facing climate and energy challenges, Poland’s experience offers insights into how industrial modernization can be combined with sustainability objectives.
The discussion reflected a wider trend among emerging economies seeking practical models for green development. Rather than replicating the pathways of developed economies, countries are increasingly looking for approaches that fit local conditions, including available resources, industrial structures and financing capacity.
The participation of European and Asian business organizations, research institutions and technology providers demonstrated the growing importance of international cooperation in scaling green solutions.
Technologies linked to water treatment, waste management, renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon reduction are becoming increasingly important as governments introduce stricter environmental standards and companies face pressure to improve resource efficiency.
