Vietnam's plastics industry in the era of national rise: The aspiration of Vietnam Plastic Association's Chairman

Mr. Dinh Duc Thang, Chairman of the Vietnam Plastics Association shared at the panel discussion “Vietnam’s plastics industry in the era of national rise”, on October 22. (Photo: VPA)

This milestone is not only a time to look back on the industry’s remarkable growth but also a defining moment to reaffirm its vision and ambition in the era of national rise — an era shaped by green growth, circular economy, and innovation as the key drivers of sustainable competitiveness.

A 35-year journey – From integration to aspiration

In the early 1990s, when Vietnam’s plastics industry was still in its infancy, producing just a few hundred thousand tons per year with mostly manual technology, VPA emerged as a pioneering force, connecting businesses, promoting knowledge sharing, and facilitating technology transfer.

More than 3 decades later, the industry has achieved an impressive scale of around USD 32 billion, growing nearly 24% year-on-year from 2023. It now contributes 6–7% of the country’s total industrial output, creates jobs for over 250,000 workers, and exports to more than 190 countries worldwide.

Yet, beyond impressive numbers lies a deeper transformation in mindset and vision. Vietnamese enterprises have boldly invested in automation, eco-design, recycling technology, and sustainable materials. Under the guidance of the VPA, the industry is shifting from quantity-driven expansion to quality-based development, moving from short-term profit to long-term sustainable value.

The panel discussion “Vietnam’s plastics industry in the era of national rise” was the highlight of VPA’s 35th anniversary celebration. The event brought together policymakers, economists, and business leaders to discuss strategic orientations for the industry’s next phase — focusing on innovation, green transformation, and the circular economy.

In the keynote address, Mr. Dinh Duc Thang, Chairman of the Vietnam Plastics Association, stated: “We are entering a new phase where global requirements on environmental protection, green standards, and trade regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. This is not merely a challenge but an opportunity for Vietnam’s plastics industry to restructure its growth model, advance technology, and align corporate governance with ESG standards.”

His message reflected a leadership philosophy grounded in authenticity — emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility. For Mr. Thang, emerging policies such as Extended producer responsibility (EPR), eco-design, and traceability are not burdens, but catalysts for transformation — essential for Vietnamese enterprises to stay competitive on the international stage.

The vision of a leader – From Vietnam to the global stage

As Chairman of the Vietnam Plastics Association (Term VII, 2023–2028), Mr. Dinh Duc Thang continues to build on the foundation laid over the past 35 years while shaping a new strategic vision for the industry. Alongside his position at the Association, he currently serves as Chairman of Stavian Group – a large-scale multinational industrial - technology, and trading corporation that focuses on five core sectors: industrial production, high technology, industrial infrastructure development, energy transition, and trading & investment.

Drawing on his extensive corporate leadership experience, Mr. Dinh Duc Thang brings a practical perspective on green transformation, sustainable governance and innovation, contributing to a clearer strategic direction for VPA and the plastics business community in the era of global integration.

He has outlined five strategic priorities for the next phase: sustainable, quality-driven growth; promoting eco-design; accelerating the circular economy; enhancing certification and traceability capacity; and strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships among government, businesses, academia, and international organizations.

Mr. Thang emphasized: “Our aspiration for advancement is not a slogan — it is a commitment to action. Vietnam’s plastics industry will proactively secure raw materials, reduce import dependence, strengthen the domestic petrochemical sector, and pursue a path that is sustainable, circular, and human-centered.”

The 35th anniversary celebration and the thematic panel were declarations of determination — affirming the readiness of Vietnam’s plastics community to step confidently into the era of national rise, driven by resilience, intellect, and unity.

With the strategic vision of VPA’s Chairman, Mr. Dinh Duc Thang, VPA is laying the foundation for a more sustainable future — one where Vietnam’s plastics industry not only “rises nationally” but also strengthens the country’s position on the global green industry map.

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