Vietnamese Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh discussed with the UK’s ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew in Hanoi on July 13 on cooperation between the two countries in responding to climate change and protecting the environment.

Khanh expressed his delight at the close collaboration between the two countries in recent years to address global challenges, including those in greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction, climate change response, biodiversity protection, forest preservation, and smart city development.

The official applauded the establishment of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) between the UK and the European Union and Vietnam, which will assist Vietnam in fulfilling its commitments stated at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference.

At a wind power farm in Ninh Thuan (Photo: VNA)

“Vietnam has received assistance from the UK in making thorough assessments of the effects of the energy transition, minimizing adverse effects during the process, helping the country connect with financial and credit institutions, and providing technical and know-how support to increase the country's capacity in implementing the commitments as well as initiatives in GHG emission reduction and climate change mitigation,” Khanh noted.

According to the minister, Vietnam has begun work on a project to carry out tasks and find solutions to execute COP26's conclusions, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

He added that SOVICO Group of Vietnam and BP Group of the UK are collaborating to build offshore wind power in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh. Vietnam intends to put some offshore wind power projects into operation between 2022 and 2030.

The minister emphasized that Vietnam encourages UK companies to invest there and take part in renewable energy-related activities, particularly offshore wind power. When the contribution of renewable sources in the national power system rises, Vietnam also hopes for support from the UK in terms of technologies for operating the system.

He stated that the ministry will take into consideration establishing a partnership with the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs of the United Kingdom in order to reduce chemical and air pollution caused by the overuse of pesticides in agriculture.

He expressed his hope that the British ambassador would assist in advancing effective communication between the two sides.

The UK Ambassador to Vietnam. Photo: VGP/ Quang Thương

According to UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew, the UK Government and the UK Embassy in Vietnam have extended their cooperation efforts with Vietnam over the years in the areas of environment, climate change, energy transition, offshore wind power development, and biodiversity protection.

The diplomat praised Vietnam's pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 as well as the extensive and realistic steps Vietnam has made to fulfill that goal.

He reaffirmed that his nation would continue to support collaboration with Vietnam in the future, particularly in the climate change responses, the development of offshore wind energy, and the transition to clean energy.

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