CIRCULAR ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT POLICY IN VIETNAM - CURRENT SITUATION AND SOME RECOMMENDATIONS

Abstract

The circular economy is increasingly recognized as an inevitable development trend aimed at reducing the exploitation of natural resources, minimizing waste generation, and promoting sustainable economic growth. In Vietnam, the transition toward a circular economy has received growing policy attention, as reflected in several legal documents that regulate recycling, reuse, waste management, extended producer responsibility, and cleaner production. However, despite these initial efforts, the existing legal framework for the circular economy remains fragmented. It has not yet established sufficiently strong or coherent incentives to encourage the active participation of businesses, local authorities, and local communities. In practice, shortcomings in policy design, implementation mechanisms, and law enforcement capacity continue to limit the effectiveness of circular economic initiatives. Against this background, the article analyzes the current status of Vietnam’s policies and legal regulations related to circular economic development, focusing on their scope, consistency, and practical enforceability. On that basis, the article proposes several solutions to improve the legal framework, strengthen institutional coordination, and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement. The research findings are expected to contribute to the creation of a more favorable legal foundation for Vietnam’s transition toward an effective, sustainable, and competitive circular economic model.