The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) organised a workshop in Hanoi on January 21 to formally launch a project to facilitate the development of green energy technologies. The initiative, worth over $4 million, will be implemented at both national and provincial levels in four years and aims to advance the country’s relevant capacity framework. Speaking at the workshop, MPI Deputy Minister Nguyen The Phuong said Vietnam is a regional pioneer for orienting its society and economy towards a green growth strategy. During this process, the nation has received support from international communities, particularly the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), he added. According to Ted Osius, US Ambassador to Vietnam, the proactive move will reduce the adverse effects of global climate change on the Southeast Asian country. Pratibha Mehta, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, said the project was developed from a long-term cooperation between the UNDP and the MPI. Its positive impacts will help ease poverty and strengthen the nation’s economic growth, she said. Vietnam has so far published guiding documents on investment priorities in line with its sustainable development path. The country plans to work closely with the UNDP and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to produce guidance on public investment. Vietnam’s green growth strategy revolves around a number of key issues such as technology transfer, investment opportunities, and fiscal policy. (Vietnam News Jan 21)
