Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Trần Hồng Hà attended the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo Đức Thịnh

TOKYO — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Trần Hồng Hà has presented several important initiatives of Việt Nam during the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday.

Hailing the Japanese Government's initiative to organise the meeting right after the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), Deputy PM Hà said that this was an important and suitable forum to promote intergovernmental cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to sustainable development in the region.

The path to achieving the targets set by the Paris Climate Agreement would be very tough, and would require intelligence, cooperation and high solidarity, he stated, stressing the need to strengthen cooperation between government and government, between governments and enterprises, and use public investment to lead private finance in the context of private finance being an important resource for emission reduction efforts.

The Vietnamese representative proposed countries put forward a very methodical and realistic emissions reduction roadmap, but not at all costs, as socio-economic issues should be taken into account.

On this occasion, Hà also emphasised Việt Nam’s commitments to and efforts in responding to climate change and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, including measures to increase the proportion of renewable energies, especially in its Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with G7 countries and partners.

He proposed participating countries establish specific institutions such as a carbon credit market of the region, and a research and technology transfer centre, because technology is a key to reducing emissions while ensuring energy security and ensuring the state, people and businesses have access to clean energy at affordable prices.

He also suggested setting up a scientific research support fund and a high-quality human resource training centre, while stressing the need to rely on digital transformation to enhance exchanges and dialogues on policies and techniques to increase the efficiency of the implementation of emissions reduction measures and ensure the implementation of socio-economic targets.

At the meeting, delegates approved a joint statement about the “Asia Zero Emission Community” which sets forth cooperation orientations in the coming time to achieve inclusive, just, sustainable and affordable energy transition in Asia.

Within the framework of the AZEC Conference, Deputy PM Hà attended a working lunch with the heads of the delegations attending the conference.

He also directly discussed measures to promote cooperation in energy transition with the Japanese Minister of Environment Hiroshi Ono and Australian Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister.— VNS