The training brought together legal practitioners and government officials from ministries, and local authorities to discuss legal challenges arising from the implementation of international commitments related to green trade, sustainable development, and the transition toward a low-carbon economy. The programme also sought to strengthen participants’ capacity in reviewing and transposing international commitments into domestic law, and effectively implementing international obligations at a time when green standards are becoming increasingly important determinants of trade and investment flows.
In the opening session, Mr. Nguyen Duc Kien, Deputy Director of the Department of International Law and Resolving International Investment Disputes, noted that the global shift toward green growth and the circular economy is generating new legal and regulatory requirements for countries worldwide. As Vietnam deepens its participation in international treaties and new-generation free trade agreements, ensuring consistency between domestic legislation and international obligations has become increasingly important for the country’s international integration and sustainable development agenda.
Echoing this view, Mr. Lewe Paul, Resident Representative of KAS Vietnam, emphasized that international trade is undergoing profound changes as climate, environmental, and sustainability objectives are increasingly integrated into trade policies. He further highlighted that, for a highly open economy such as Vietnam, adapting to emerging regulatory requirements not only supports the effective implementation of international commitments but also contributes to enhancing competitiveness, attracting investment, and laying the foundation for sustainable long-term growth.
A highlight of the training was a presentation by Prof. Dr. Rhea Tamara Hoffmann of the University of Siegen (Germany), who dissected laws and regulations shaping the green transition and explained how these affect Vietnam as a trading partner of the EU. In particular, she pointed out how the European Green Deal has reshaped regulatory frameworks by integrating environmental and sustainability considerations into trade policy and market access requirements. Her presentation provided participants with comparative insights into how regulatory instruments can be designed and implemented to support sustainable development objectives while ensuring compliance with international commitments. Prof. Hoffmann examined key EU regulatory instruments, including the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the Forced Labour Regulation (FLR), the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). She highlighted how these measures reflect a broader shift toward greater supply-chain transparency, traceability, and verifiable emissions reporting. For Vietnam, these experiences offer useful lessons for strengthening legal and institutional preparedness, supporting the implementation of international commitments, and helping businesses adapt to evolving sustainability requirements in global markets.
In addition to international perspectives, the programme devoted considerable attention to domestic governance and implementation challenges. Speakers analysed the implications of international commitments for legislative reform and policy development, including obligations related to environmental protection, climate change mitigation, the circular economy, and sustainable development. Discussions also highlighted the importance of inter-agency coordination, regulatory coherence, and effective enforcement in translating international commitments into practical outcomes. The training also explored how Vietnam can adapt to the growing influence of sustainability-related requirements in international trade. Speakers discussed developments in carbon-market mechanisms, greenhouse gas management, corporate sustainability responsibilities, and emerging trade-related environmental regulations. A common message throughout the discussions was that green compliance is no longer solely an environmental objective but an increasingly important factor in maintaining competitiveness, facilitating market access, and strengthening Vietnam’s position in global value chains.
Participants agreed that in today’s global business environment, competitiveness is no longer measured solely by product quality but also by compliance with environmental standards, carbon-emission requirements, and corporate sustainability obligations. Increasingly, market access depends not only on where products are made, but also on how they are produced and whether environmental information can be reliably measured, reported, and traced throughout the supply chain. Through in-depth discussions and exchanges, the training enhanced participants’ capacity to address legal issues arising from international commitments and emerging green trade requirements. The discussions also underscored that strengthening legal preparedness, improving institutional frameworks, and proactively adapting to evolving sustainability standards will be essential for Vietnam to effectively implement its international obligations, support businesses in meeting emerging market requirements, and maintain competitiveness in the global economy.
As a long-standing partner of the Ministry of Justice, KAS Vietnam will continue to facilitate policy dialogue, promote the exchange of international expertise, and support institutional capacity-building efforts in support of Vietnam’s sustainable development and international integration.
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About this series
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, its educational institutions, centres and foreign offices, offer several thousand events on various subjects each year. We provide up to date and exclusive reports on selected conferences, events and symposia at www.kas.de. In addition to a summary of the contents, you can also find additional material such as pictures, speeches, videos or audio clips.