SME enterprises operating in brick, ceramics and food processing industries in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long will receive assistance to switch to environmentally-friendly and energy saving technologies under the “Green Investment Fund” programme
The programme, which was launched at a workshop on March 13, was part of the project “Low Carbon Energy and the Environment” (LCEE), a joint effort of Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Danish Government.
Under the scheme, target enterprises will be provided credit guarantee for 50 percent of loans taken for technology renovation. In addition, successful enterprises will be awarded between 330 and 40 percent of their loans depending on the level of energy they save.
Brick and ceramic production is the traditional industry of Vinh Long. However, local makers have met difficulties since 2012 due to their out-of-date production technology, which resulted in low productivity and competitiveness as well as environmental pollution.
The local authorities have supported their enterprises to access to incentive capital sources, and to upgrade and renovate technology. But so far, only nine have managed to switch to new kiln technology.
Bui Huu Mai, Chairman of the province’s Association of Fine Arts Brick and Ceramic said the locality will continue assisting 40 enterprises operating in the field in improving production technology in 2015.
At the workshop, local brick and ceramic producers discussed procedures to access credit guarantee and measures to solve difficulties facing them in renovating production technology.