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Hazy skies over Hanoi during a period of poor air quality. Photo: Thach Thao

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City should implement policies to support the shift to clean energy for goods and passenger transport services - particularly those operated by tech-based platforms (shippers), according to Vietnam’s newly approved National Action Plan on Air Pollution Control and Air Quality Management for 2026–2030, with a vision to 2045.

Approved today by the Prime Minister, the plan outlines key goals for the 2026–2030 period, aiming to control, prevent, and gradually reverse air pollution - especially in major economic hubs like Hanoi, HCMC, and neighboring provinces.

By 2030, air quality across the country is expected to be gradually controlled and improved.

In Hanoi, the average annual PM2.5 concentration is targeted to fall below 40 µg/m³ by 2030 - a 20% reduction compared to the 2024 baseline. At least 80% of days each year should register “good” or “moderate” air quality (VN_AQI), according to national monitoring stations.

In provinces surrounding Hanoi - such as Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Phong, and Ninh Binh - the average annual PM2.5 levels should drop by at least 10% compared to 2024. For HCMC and other urban centers nationwide, the VN_AQI index is expected to improve each year.

The plan mandates strict control and progressive emission reduction for 100% of major pollution sources from high-risk industries including cement, thermal power, steelmaking, and industrial boilers.

100% of road vehicles to undergo emissions control

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All vehicles will be subject to emissions control under a new government roadmap. Photo: Phuc Tai

All road vehicles - including cars, motorbikes, and scooters - will be regulated under a national emissions control roadmap and technical standards.

For Hanoi and HCMC, by 2030, 100% of public transport vehicles must use clean, green, and environmentally friendly energy.

The two cities are also expected to issue and implement policies to encourage and support the transition of tech-based freight and passenger vehicles (shippers) to clean energy models.

Construction sites must be strictly regulated, with mandatory environmental protection measures such as screening and on-site vehicle washing. All construction waste must be tightly managed in accordance with national regulations.

Vietnam is targeting 1,200 green buildings by 2030, including at least 200 in Hanoi and 500 in HCMC.

Beyond 2030, Hanoi’s PM2.5 levels should continue to decrease by 5 µg/m³ every five years, with a goal of reaching the national ambient air quality standards by 2045. Air quality in Hanoi and nationwide is to be maintained at consistently healthy levels.

To realize these goals, the government has proposed several key tasks: improving environmental legislation, promoting technology transfer and application, and reducing industrial emissions.

The action plan also includes stricter controls over transportation-related emissions, expansion of public transport, and transition to green, eco-friendly traffic systems. Construction site management, public area sanitation, and residential hygiene will also be reinforced.

A national system for monitoring, forecasting, and issuing air quality warnings will be developed and operated, supported by enforcement, inspections, and penalties for violations.

The government also plans to establish a National Steering Committee on Air Pollution Control, which will advise the Prime Minister on cross-sectoral strategies and coordinate efforts to improve air quality - initially focusing on the Hanoi metropolitan area.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will guide localities in formulating provincial-level air quality plans and operating the national air pollution monitoring and warning system. It will also build a national emissions database covering transport, residential, agriculture, construction, waste treatment, industrial zones, craft villages, and interprovincial sources such as cement and thermal power plants.

Additionally, the ministry will invest in and upgrade the national air quality monitoring infrastructure, ensuring it is synchronized, automated, and modernized.

Tran Thuong