Los Angeles and Ho Chi Minh City establish sustainability alliance

Los Angeles Business Council (LABC), the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (Amcham), and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ho Chi Minh City signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Ho Chi Minh City in July 30, to establish an alliance designed to promote economic development through collaboration and information sharing in energy generation, infrastructure development, and sustainable investment activities.

All sides recognise the importance of meeting the energy infrastructure demands of their growing populations, and to do so in a manner that effectively addresses the challenges of climate change.

According to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the agreement is an important recognition that fighting climate change has to be a concerted global effort.

“Los Angeles is leading the charge in making 100 per cent renewable energy a reality—with a thriving green economy to show for it. Sharing best practices and promoting partnerships to expand sustainable development will ultimately make our cities more liveable and successful,” Garcetti said.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti highlighted that fighting climate change has to be a concerted global effort

Los Angeles is a champion for sustainable energy development.

LABC President Mary Leslie commented that the two cities have many common interests, including increasing the use of clean energy and reducing reliance on coal-fired power.

“This new partnership between our two cities will support emerging technologies, companies, and energy providers dedicated to a clean energy future,” said Leslie.

Ho Chi Minh City’s population is expected to increase to 13.9 million by 2025, with Los Angeles’s expected to rise to 15.7 million during the same timeframe.

Both cities also share a desire to realise the market potential for solar energy, which the MoU addresses with a commitment to share city-to-city knowledge of technology and design to promote environmental sustainability.

The alliance was signed in Ho Chi Minh City

LABC, one of the most influential advocacy and educational organisations in California, has spearheaded business-friendly solar energy policies in Los Angeles, which today boasts the most installed solar energy in any city in the nation. The group also spearheaded a clean energy coalition that drove the development of the most successful feed-in-tariff programme in the United States.

LABC has a long history of fostering international collaboration, most notably helping form the Tripartite Economic Alliance between the sister cities of Los Angeles, Auckland, and Guangzhou in 2014.

This newest alliance between Los Angeles and Ho Chi Minh City similarly reflects a desire to share best practices, identify business partnerships and collaborate in the work of leading the two cities into a healthier and more prosperous future.

For over 70 years, LABC has had a major impact on public policy by harnessing the power of business and government to promote environmental and economic sustainability in the Los Angeles region.