“Improving energy using efficiency in SMEs” project in Binh Duong has over the last 5 years showed remarkable results. The project, supported by Ministry of Technology and Science, UNDP and Global Environmental Fund is to improve energy using efficiency in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

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In Vietnam, PECSME project has been put into operation since 2006. The project is one of measures to solve shortage of capital of SMEs by energy thrift, environmental protection and sustainable development. Initially, the project was experimentally launched in 10 provinces. Since 2006, the project has contributed to decline over 740,000 tons of greenhouse gas and save over 180,000 tons of oil.

Under the project’s regulations, SMEs (under fields of brick, ceramics, garment, paper and food processing) with a capital of under VND30bil and manpower of 500 people can enjoy capital assistance.

These SMEs will enjoy costs of energy auditing and technological transfer at VND10-30mil and guarantee of 75% of lending capital for solutions of energy thrift. Until now, PECSME has offered loan guarantee for 50 projects worth VND32bil.

Promoting clean production

Clean production is one of sustainable goals that Binh Duong industrial sector is bounding for. Therefore, birth and promotion of clean production of PECSME is one of valued conditions to support SMEs.

Over the last 5 years, along with appearance of PECSME, a series of policies and regulations have been issued by the provincial People’s Committee. Notably, a series of instructions asking units to practice power thrift have been delivered. Besides, a center of energy thrift has been set up after PECSME’s birth. Over years the center has held numerous seminars to improve businesses’ production awareness.

Nguyen Ba Vinh, director of PECSME, said “Binh Duong along with HCMC has excelled PECSME’s operations. In the coming time, we will focus on launching the project in Binh Duong”.

Obviously, PECSME has offered assistances of energy using efficiency for local SMEs. Vu Tien Sy, head of energy thrift division of the provincial department of Science and Technology, said “Over years we have cooperated with PECSME to hold promulgations on energy using efficiency for businesses. Besides, loans from supportive funds have helped SMEs develop sustainably”.

Reported by K.Vinh – Translated by A.C