Developing a Circular Economy in Ho Chi Minh City: A Content Analysis-Based SWOT Analysis

Abstract

The circular economy (CE) is a sustainable economic model that has the potential to create new opportunities, reduce environmental impact and enhance social well-being. Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the largest city in Vietnam, has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, but at the cost of the environment and public health. The city could reduce waste, conserve resources and promote sustainable production and consumption by adopting CE principles. Employing qualitative research, including content analysis, we construct a SWOT analysis to assess HCMC's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the CE context. The city possesses several strengths, such as a vast potential for a CE and a robust economic foundation. However, it also faces multiple weaknesses, including insufficient infrastructure, inadequate citizen and business awareness and participation, ineffective policy enforcement and a deficiency of standards for recycled products. This chapter will conclude that the CE presents an opportunity for HCMC to reduce its dependence on imported raw materials, increase local value creation and create new jobs in the CE sector.

Citation

Bui, T., Ramsawak, R. and Tram Anh, T.N. (2024), "Developing a Circular Economy in Ho Chi Minh City: A Content Analysis-Based SWOT Analysis", Kandpal, V., Santibanez-Gonzalez, E.D., Chatterjee, P. and Nallapaneni, M.K. (Ed.) Smart Cities and Circular Economy, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 23-48. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83797-957-820241003