Vietnam, Japan cooperate in environmental technologies

The workshop on Vietnam-Japan environmental cooperation - Photo: Bao Tai nguyen - Moi truong

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan said Vietnam urgently needs to consolidate the harmony between environmental protection and socio-economic development. Gearing towards sustainable development remains a key challenge for policymakers and enforcement forces in the field of natural resources management and environmental protection, he said.The participants also talked about cooperation towards low-carbon growth, environmental technologies, sustainable development, environmental infrastructure for developing countries, and partnerships between Vietnamese and Japanese cities.

Highlighting the intensive and extensive relationship between Vietnam and Japan across all spheres, Nhan said Japan is one of Vietnam’s most important strategic partners in environmental protection.

Vietnam hopes that environmental research and State management agencies, environmental protection associations, and businesses of the two countries will exchange information and management experience, promote technological transfer, and promote feasible and specific cooperation projects.

The collaboration would serve as a foundation for the formation of an environmental technologies market and environmental industry in Vietnam, with the active participation of Japanese partners and businesses, he said.

Japanese Vice Environmental Minister Takaaki Katsumata said Vietnam and Japan celebrated the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and cooperated well in many fields in 2018, including the environmental sector.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Japanese Ministry of Environment inked a cooperation agreement in 2013 and reaped the outcomes in different fields, he said.

Many Japanese companies specialising in waste treatment are operating in Vietnam, he said, describing the workshop as an opportunity for the Vietnamese side to learn about Japan’s demands in this regard, he said.

Theo VEN