In 1986, the Government of Vietnam launched a political and economic reform campaign named “Doi Moi” (Renovation) to guide the country from a centrally-planned economy towards a market economy. Since then, Vietnam has opened up its economy and has entered the process of trade liberalization. However, as a result of this rapid success in economic growth, there is a corresponding deterioration in the environment, particularly as a result of increased solid waste. In order to maximize the potential positive impacts but at the same time minimize the negative effects of modernization and industrialization in the country, it is necessary to take immediate measures to protect the environment.
This paper describes how a legal and institutional framework for solid waste environmental management is being developed and implemented in Vietnam. The existing policies and institutional framework that promote the economic transition, as well as environmental management for sustainable development will be reviewed. With these policies, there is a need to identify the most important environmental issues, including problems to be tackled and measures to be taken.