The VNU University of Economics & Business successfully co-hosted the 12th International Economic Cooperation and Integration Conference (CIECI 2024) on November 22nd and 23rd. The conference, themed "Green Policies and Practices: Catalyst or Pressure for Trade and Investment," brought together domestic and international experts to discuss the profound impact of globalization on trade and investment.

CIECI 2024 was a collaborative effort, organized by VNU-UEB in partnership with the International Francophone Institute (IFI-VNU), the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), Confab 360 Degree (India), Foreign Trade University (Vietnam), the University of Adelaide (Australia), the University of Economics and Law (Vietnam), Rangsit University (Thailand), and Sofia University (Bulgaria).

In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Le Trung Thanh, Rector of UEB-VNU, highlighted the dual nature of globalization's impact: while boosting economic growth, it also negatively affects the environment through pollution and biodiversity loss. He cited WTO reports indicating that trade accounts for 20-30% of global carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change. He noted the challenges faced by developing nations in implementing emission reduction measures due to limited resources and regulatory frameworks. 

The conference focused on key themes such as the future of green trade in a fragmented world and its role in global economic recovery. Presentations analyzed green practices in sectors like agriculture, finance, tourism, and logistics, exploring innovative financial and digital solutions to address global challenges.

Speakers from prestigious universities worldwide discussed the rapid growth of international trade and investment driven by the reduction of trade barriers. While this growth fuels economic expansion, it also contributes to environmental degradation, including air, water, and soil pollution, and biodiversity loss.

Professor Peter Draper from the University of Adelaide explored the prospects of greening trade in a world of diverging values. Professor Andreas Freytag from the University of Jena addressed the potential of rational climate policy to reintegrate the global economy. Professor Yovogan Marcellin from Sofia University analyzed the impact of green finance and ESG requirements on the financial performance of fintech companies, noting the potential for attracting socially conscious investors while acknowledging the associated compliance costs. Professor Andreas Hauskrecht from Kelley Business School, Indiana University also contributed his expertise.

Panel discussions involved professors, scientists, policymakers, and representatives from research institutions, universities, and government agencies. Experts emphasized the growing importance of climate change and environmental sustainability in both public and private agendas, leading to increased adoption of green policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and fostering a circular economy.

International agreements and green provisions in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are shaping national green policies. While green trade and investment offer opportunities, challenges related to costs and risks remain. Experts offered policy recommendations to help governments and businesses navigate these challenges, including fostering innovation in renewable energy and clean technology, supporting SMEs in sustainable transitions, establishing clear legal frameworks for environmental standards and ESG requirements, developing green trade agreements, enhancing capacity building through international collaboration, and promoting the role of SMEs as drivers of sustainable economic transformation.

CIECI 2024 aimed to provide valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and businesses, contributing to Vietnam's sustainable development goals by fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among experts and promoting innovation in education. The conference successfully connected international and domestic professionals, strengthening UEB-VNU’s research and publication collaborations and contributing to the development of strategies for promoting green trade and investment in alignment with global standards.