Vietnam pursues green economy: forum

A forum on creating a greener Vietnamese economy took place in Hanoi from February 28 to March 1 with Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong attending.

Discussions at the forum helped publicise the Government’s policies for the development of a green economy and raise public awareness of the effective and eco-friendly use of natural resources.

Addressing the forum, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Linh Ngoc said a green economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, “in its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.”

Last September, the Government approved a national strategy on green growth, showing Vietnam’s prioritisation of sustainable development.

The aim of the strategy is to change the economic development model in order to reduce green house gas emissions and form an effective economic structure.

Ngoc said that in order to catch up with the world’s development trend, it is necessary for Vietnam to develop a green economic model.

To do so, he said that Vietnam needs to adjust its economic growth strategy and develop the green economy to achieve its set targets, including sustainable growth, social progress and equity, improvement in the quality of life and environmental protection.

Most of participants at the forum said that a green economy will bring about long-term benefits to Vietnam, considering this the best solution for sustainable development and poverty reduction in the country.

They suggested Vietnam pour more investment into several major green economic sectors such as organic agriculture, eco-tourism, recycling and bio-energy.

They highlighted the significance of building and developing sustainable residential and industrial zones as Vietnam is on the path of industrialisation and modernisation which they said, will help ease environmental pollution and conserve natural resources.

As a developing country, Vietnam needs a green economy to narrow the development gap with other countries and reach closer to a modern, civilised and sustainable economy, they said.

As part of the forum, a televised exchange among businesses was held to offer a chance for managers, experts, scientists and businessmen to seek measures to boost green economic development and contribute to the sustainable development of the country.