Vietnam offers initiatives to promote cooperation to reduce emissions in Asia at the opening session of the AZEC Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo on March 4. Photo: VNA

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha presented several important initiatives of Vietnam during the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo, Japan on March 4, VNA reported.

Hailing the Japanese Government's initiative to organize the meeting right after the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), Ha said that this is an important and suitable forum to promote intergovernmental cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to sustainable development in the region.

The path to achieving the targets set by the Paris Climate Agreement is very tough, and requires intelligence, cooperation and high solidarity, he stated, stressing the need to strengthen cooperation between government and government, between governments and enterprises, and use public investment to lead private finance in the context of private finance being an important resource for emission reduction efforts.

The Vietnamese representative proposed countries put forward a very methodical and realistic emissions reduction roadmap, but not at all costs, as socio-economic issues should be taken into account.

On this occasion, Deputy PM Ha also emphasized Vietnam's commitments to and efforts in responding to climate change and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, including measures to increase the proportion of renewable energies.

Source: Ministry of Mines and Energy Cambodia

He proposed participating countries establish specific institutions such as a carbon credit market of the region, and a research and technology transfer center, because technology is a key to reducing emissions while ensuring energy security and ensuring the state, people, and businesses have access to clean energy at affordable prices.

Ha also suggested setting up a scientific research support fund and a high-quality human resource training centre, while stressing the need to rely on digital transformation to enhance exchanges and dialogues on policies and techniques to increase the efficiency of the implementation of emissions reduction measures and ensure the implementation of socio-economic targets.

At the meeting, delegates approved a joint statement about the “Asia Zero Emission Community” which sets forth cooperation orientations in the coming time to achieve inclusive, just, sustainable and affordable energy transition in Asia.

Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha’s participation in the AZEC Ministerial Meeting affirms Vietnam’s resolve to realize its commitments on greenhouse gas emission reduction and climate change response, as well as support for the Japanese Government’s initiatives towards net zero emissions.

Nguyen Duc Minh, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, made the remark in an interview granted to VNA ahead of Ha’s trip.

The meeting, held at the initiative of Japanese PM Kishida Fumio, is the first ministerial event among Japan, Southeast Asian countries, and Australia to discuss measures for supporting renewable energy development and use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Minh noted that Vietnam is one of the countries hardest hit by climate change. Serving as Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Deputy PM Ha has taken part in the establishment of Vietnam’s strategic partnership with Japan and also voiced support for the Japanese Government’s initiatives towards the goal of net zero emissions.

The two countries boast long-standing cooperation in multiple spheres, including environmental protection and climate change fight. Realizing the importance of cooperation to resolve global challenges, they have carried out various initiatives to minimize those challenges’ impacts and obtained some achievements, including in perfecting policies and implementing climate change response projects, building a green growth strategy, promoting renewable energy, adapting to climate change, controlling environmental pollution, and protecting forests, according to the diplomat.

Vietnam and Japan have also signed a cooperation plan on climate change toward carbon neutrality by 2050, he noted, adding that the plan is important to the implementation of the Vietnamese and Japanese PMs’ commitments announced at the COP26 in 2021.

Bilateral collaboration in environmental and climate change issues has recorded enormous attainments and positive effects. However, much needs to be done to deal with these global challenges, and the countries’ partnership will continue playing an important role in the efforts to achieve sustainable development, Minh added.

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