Japan’s Tokyo capital city and Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi will boost the cooperation in environmental protection and water drainage in the years to come, according to Tokyo Governor Naoki Inose. Mr. Inose made the statement at a meeting with Chairman of the Hanoi municipal People’s Committee Nguyen The Thao in the framework of the meeting of the Asian Network of Major Cities in the 21st century (ANMC21) in Hanoi on Nov 18. Tokyo is willing to help Hanoi address air pollution and train staff working in water drainage and highly qualified athletes to attend regional competitions. Chairman Thao valued the long-lasting cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, and Hanoi and Tokyo in particular, especially when the Tokyo-initiated ANMC21 was set up. He suggested both sides ink a joint statement and memoranda of understanding on cooperation in environmental protection, water drainage, athlete training and education, which are all Japan’s strengths and some of the most pressing issues for Hanoi. Experts warned that air pollution is posing great threats to people’s health in Vietnam, especially those in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, causing diseases related to the respiratory system, eyes, ears and skin. Up to 80% of diseases in humans are caused by environmental pollution, which costs Vietnam an estimated $780 million on medical services each year. (vietnamplus.vn Nov 18)
