Viet Nam and Czech Republic Elevate Environmental Collaboration to New Heights

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Le Công Thanh, has affirmed that Viet Nam and the Czech Republic are poised to enhance collaboration in the realm of environmental protection and natural resources management. This strategic commitment reflects the shared dedication of both nations to address global environmental challenges through joint efforts and knowledge exchange. The collaborative initiatives aim to contribute significantly to sustainable development and the responsible stewardship of natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

During a working session in Hanoi on January 15 with a delegation from the Czech Senate led by Chairman of its Committee on Public Administration, Regional Development and Environment Zbynek Linhart, Thanh highlighted Vietnam’s progressive approach to waste management, including plastic waste.

He underscored that Viet Nam has enacted the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection, featuring groundbreaking regulations on recycling, reusing waste, and promoting cutting-edge technologies for energy recovery through waste incineration.

Thanh pointed out the Vietnamese Government’s commitment outlined in the National Power Development Plan VIII, which prioritises phasing out thermal power while increasing the share of renewable energy.

Furthermore, Viet Nam, in collaboration with international partners, is actively realising the Political Declaration on establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JEPT). This initiative aims to facilitate collaboration with global partners for policy refinement, technology transfer, and financial support to achieve an equitable transition towards clean energy.

Linhart, for his part, said the delegation wants to acquire Vietnam’s management experience in waste disposal, plastic waste pollution prevention and clean energy development. These are issues faced by the Czech Republic, particularly due to the escalating volume of waste and the fact that half of its energy is generated from coal.

He hoped that the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) and relevant agencies in the Czech Republic will further expand cooperation into additional areas while strengthening relationship in natural resources and environment.

In 2019, the MoNRE and the Czech Ministry of Environment signed an action plan for the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation covering the 2020-2025 period.