Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan

During an environment policy dialogue, the third of its kind, held in Hanoi on December 14 with the Japanese Ministry of Environment, Nhan hailed the event as a proof of bilateral close cooperation in delivering commitments in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two ministers in 2013. 

He suggested Japan help Vietnam refine legal regulations via thematic seminars and personnel training as well as devise concrete projects involving green growth, pollution control, waste management and adoption of technological advances. 

Nhan also called for Japan’s assistance in law enforcement in the field, provision of funding for the effort and sharing of relevant experience. 

Japanese Minister of Environment Michiyo Kakegawa said over the past three years, both sides have partnered in pilot projects on the use of energy, hazardous waste treatment and chemical incident settlement. 

She underscored the need to refine legal framework, seek capable firms to recycle outdated equipment and hydrocarbon products, send experts to the scene to help with dealing with urban and solid wastes. 

In the near future, the Japanese side will work closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, partners, sponsors and other units to raise public awareness of the proper use of natural resources, pollution treatment and environment. 

In 2017, it will choose cement and coal-fired thermal power plants for pilot projects. 

On the occasion, the two ministries signed a MoU on cooperation in environment protection and climate change for 2017-2019.

VNA