VN no longer trades environment for economic growth: DPM Trinh Dinh Dung

Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung (R) and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Erik Solheim, Ha Noi, August 7, 2017 - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Deputy PM Dung made the point on August 7 in Ha Noi while hosting a reception for Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Erik Solheim.

He acknowledged and praised the extremely important contribution of the UNEP to environmental protection in Viet Nam especially in technical support, experience, law making, scholarship, and human resources.

According to the Deputy PM, environmental protection is a global hot issue and requires international cooperation and strong determination from all countries and governments. Developed countries should bear the responsibility for supporting developing ones in development planning, capital, and technology.

“The Vietnamese Government always determines to protect the environment and no longer trades the environment for economic growth,” the host leader asserted.

According to Mr. Dung, to protect the environment, the Government plays an important role in making socio-economic development plans and making laws. The host leader also stressed the need to develop renewable energy; science, and technology in accordance with national conditions; improve human resources; and raise awareness of environmental protection for citizens and enterprises.

So far, Viet Nam is determined to promote green and environmentally-friendly development of which science and technology play the leading role and the private sector is the pioneer.  

Mr. Dung hoped that the UNEP would continue to back Viet Nam in reviewing and amending the legal regulations on the environment; support national action programs on climate change response and sea level rise; minimize green house gas emission; protect forests. Viet Nam also seeks support to build national reports on implementation of international conventions on environment and welcome foreign experts to share experience on the field.  

In return, Mr. Erik Solheim revealed that via the working visit to Viet Nam, he hoped to foster cooperation in environment. The guest congratulated Viet Nam on its successes in socio-economic development especially in agriculture and education.

The UNEP, said the Executive Director, would stand by countries including Viet Nam to promote cooperation in environmental protection.

Mr. Erik Solheim also stressed that Viet Nam has abundant opportunities for tourism development after touring Cuc Phuong National Park. The guest also hailed Viet Nam’s successful outcomes in preserving rare animals.

He also recommended the Vietnamese Government attract other sources of capital including private capital and socialization to develop green finance and sustainable growth./.

By Khanh Phuong