VNEEP - National progaram on Energy Efficer and Conservation

Green economy is closely associated with sustainable development, helping to ensure social security, protect the environment, and improve the efficiency of energy use, said Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan.

The Deputy PM made the affirmation at a forum in Hanoi on December 13 to discuss green economy and sustainable development in Vietnam.

He said creating a green economy is to generate jobs, sustain economic growth, reduce environmental pollution, and minimize the effects of global warning and exhausted natural resources.

It is necessary to formulate a favourable legal environment for developing such an economic development model in Vietnam, said Mr Nhan.

UNDP Country Director in Vietnam Setsuko Yamazak, said that a green growth strategy will enable Vietnam to mobilize financial resources, as well as technological renovations, from public and private sectors especially within the framework of an international agreement on climate change.

The UNDP in Vietnam is willing to support the country in improving its quality of growth, restructuring its economy, and tackling environmental pollution, she said.

Delegates also affirmed the need to turn to a green economy and introduced practical experiences in developing such a green economy in the world. They also pointed out difficulties and solutions for policies so that Vietnam can build a green economy in line with sustainable development.

They said that strengthening international cooperation in climate change will help improve renewable energy and energy efficiency, and reduce water and air pollution. Green economy will help protect forests and increase agricultural productivity. It will also offer Vietnam numerous opportunities to develop highly - qualified human resources.

Vietnam is currently taking measures to restructure its economy and learn from international experiences in developing a green economy to devise proper orientations and policies to ensure sustainable development.

By LM