Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Huong Ha introduced several important Vietnamese initiatives at the Asian Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial meeting in Tokyo, Japan. The Japanese government welcomed the initiative to organize a meeting following the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27).
Deputy Prime Minister Ha said that this is an important and appropriate forum to promote intergovernmental cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development in the country
The path to achieving the goals set out in the Paris climate agreement will be difficult and will require a lot of policy, cooperation, and solidarity, he said. The policy emphasizes the need for government-to-government cooperation, greater government-business cooperation, and increased public investment. To lead private finance in the context of private financing to be an important resource for emission reduction efforts.
The Vietnamese representative suggested that countries submit a very structured and realistic emission reduction roadmap but not necessarily by all means, bearing in mind that socio-economic issues must be taken into account as well. On the occasion, Phuc also highlighted Vietnam’s commitment and efforts in fighting climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including steps to increase the proportion of renewable energy, especially in partnership with G7 countries and partners for a just energy transition (JETP).
He recommended that participating countries establish specialized institutions such as carbon credit markets, research centers, and technology transfer in the region because technology is key to reducing emissions while ensuring energy security and ensuring access to clean energy for countries, communities, and businesses at affordable prices.
He also suggested the establishment of a scientific research support fund and a high-quality talent training center. At the same time, he stressed the need to rely on digital transformation, strengthen policy and technical exchanges and dialogue, improve the efficiency of implementation of emission reduction measures, and ensure the implementation of social goals and economy.
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At the meeting, the participants reached a joint statement on the “Zero Emissions Community of Asia” and determined the future direction of cooperation to achieve an energy transition that is inclusive, fair, sustainable, and affordable in Asia. In the context of the AZEC conference, Deputy PM Ha attended a luncheon with the heads of delegations attending the conference. He also discussed steps to increase energy transition cooperation with Japan’s Minister of the Environment Hiroshi Ono and Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister.
