Review of Existing Energy Framework for Vietnam
- Publisher:
- Greater Mekong Subregion Academic And Research Network
- Publication Type:
- Journal Article
- Citation:
- GMSARN International Journal, 2009, 3 (1), pp. 13 - 22
- Issue Date:
- 2009-01
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Since introducing a market-orientation to the economy in 1986, Vietnam has made considerable socioeconomic progress. For example, over the period 1986-2007, the GDP of Vietnam has grown at approximately 7 per cent per year which is the highest growth rate in the ASEAN region. In this growth, the countryâs energy sector has played a vital role. This role is likely to deepen in the years to come as Vietnam strives to achieve ever higher economic progress. Such deepening in the role of energy, this paper argues, will heighten concerns about the security of energy supply, increased CO2 emissions and pollution and other social and political challenges. In order to address these challenges, Vietnam has over the last decade, initiated several energy policies underpinned by appropriate legislation â called, âinstitutional frameworkâ, in the context of this paper. A deeper review of this framework suggests that it is typified by a lack of cohesiveness of policy direction and purpose, fragmented institutional structures and responsibilities, and weak public constituency on environmental issues. The existing framework is therefore unlikely to be able to provide a satisfactory redress to the challenges noted above. This paper provides some suggestions to reduce the weaknesses of the existing framework. These include: articulating the significance of the link between energy, economy and environment; developing coherence in institutional purpose and design, and raising public awareness through better communication and education.
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