Accelerating Electric Mobility and Decarbonisation Frameworks in Vietnam

Project Kick-off: NDC Transport Initiative for Asia (NDC-TIA) – Phase 2

On 10 July, NDC Transport Initiative for Asia Phase 2 officially launched in Vietnam. Running from 2026 to 2028, the project supports the country’s net-zero 2050 targets by accelerating commercial vehicle electrification, technical standards, and charging infrastructure.

WHY: Start with the WHY, what should be achieved in Vietnam and Why? What is the current challenge that the GIZ is trying to solve?

In 2021, Vietnam’s transport sector emitted ca. 45 MtCO2 – an increase of 1.5 times compared to 2014. The transport sector is responsible for 18% of energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 11% to the country’s total emissions. Vietnam is committed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 with effective international supports. Viet Nam NDC 3.0 has been updating, taking into account of the commitment, NDC TIA – Phase 1 and relevant ones. Recognizing the critical role of decarbonising transport sector, Vietnam aims to draw lessons from regional best practices to facilitate a smooth and fast transition to clean energy vehicles.

WHAT: On July 10, the Vietnam component of the NDC Transport Initiative in Asia Phase II (NDC-TIA 2) was officially launched in Hanoi. Running from 2026 to 2028, the project is jointly implemented by GIZ and the Academy for Construction Strategy and Cadres Training (ACST) under the Ministry of Construction in Vietnam, with support from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and technical support from the World Resources Institute (WRI).

The project directly supports Vietnam’s national Green Energy Transition Action Programme to help the country achieve net-zero transport emissions by 2050. Focusing on commercial vehicle electrification and clean energy, the project will address regulatory gaps, technical standards, infrastructure and financing – key enablers for large-scale adoption. HOW: It will support the development of regulations and standards for electric vehicles, assess urban charging needs, study links between EVs and public transport and metro systems, and propose financing mechanisms to develop the EV ecosystem. Policy dialogue and knowledge sharing will also be strengthened, including initiatives to promote women’s participation in transport and logistics.

Decarbonising the transport sector is a global challenge that requires international collaboration and joint efforts. The NDC-TIA project provides a regionalexchange and cooperation platform for China, India, and Vietnam.

Urda Eichhorst, Head of Cluster ‘Green Transformation’ GIZ East Asia

In the second phase of the project, the project team will continue working with partners from all sides to explore effective pathways for accelerating commercial vehicle electrification, while sharing project outcomes across borders to exert a broader impact on low-carbon, green transport transitions in Asia and globally.

The programme is one of the concrete steps to realize Vietnam’s transport-sector emission reduction commitments.

Ngô Anh Tuấn, Director ACST

Alexandra Westwood, Attaché of the Section Economic Affairs and Development of German Embassy in Vietnam, said the continuation of cooperation under the NDC Transport Initiative in Asia (NDC-TIA) Phase 2 demonstrates a long-standing, trusted partnership in addressing climate change and will bring practical benefits to Vietnam’s green transition.

The launch event attracted over 100 delegates from state management agencies, enterprises across the transport ecosystem, research institutes, universities, professional associations, development partners, and industry experts, reaffirming the shared commitment of all stakeholders to advancing the green transformation in Vietnam’s transport sector.

NDC Transport Initiative for Asia (NDC-TIA) is part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI). Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) supports this initiative on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundestag. It supports China, India, and Viet Nam as well as regional and global decarbonization strategies to increase the ambition around low-carbon transport. 

All photos © GIZ.