Traffic congestion is one of major challenges that Asian cities, including Hà Nội, have to cope with given the constraints of current infrastructure and city development. —  VNA/VNS Photo Thành Đạt

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Transport will continue to strengthen activities to enhance environmentally sustainable transport in Việt Nam, said Deputy Minister of Transport Lê Anh Tuấn.

Tuấn was speaking at the 12th Intergovernmental Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Forum in Asia which ended on Wednesday in Hà Nội.

“The ministry will be proactive in working with other countries in the region and the world to exchange experience, improve capacity and technology transfer on the deployment of smart transport systems and low carbon emissions in cities, fulfilling the contents set by the Hà Nội Declaration,” he said.

Representatives of 15 Asian cities signed a Hà Nội Addendum to the Kyoto Declaration to promote environmentally sustainable transport towards the realisation of smart cities.

A Hà Nội Declaration on the realisation of smart cities in Asia through sustainable transport was also adopted at the forum.

“It showed the common concern of Asian countries and the community in promoting sustainable transportation and reducing emissions, contributing to the implementation of sustainable development goals of United Nations’s 2030 Agenda,” he said.

The deputy minister suggested the participants continue working to promote co-operation, technology transfer and mobilise resources to realise the Hà Nội Declaration.

UN Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) would collaborate with countries and international organisations to explore potential sources and co-operation in capacity-building activities to push up the development of urban spaces in Asia in a comprehensive and sustainable manner as well as meet the needs of all people.

Earlier, at a discussion on 'The role of EST with the development of smart, sustainable and adaptable city', Tuấn emphasised the relationship between the development of intelligent transport systems, low carbon emissions and the realisation of smart cities, as well as the role of sustainable transport in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving sustainable development goals.

“Good experiences from other countries and new initiatives about smart transport, low carbon technology in transportation were exchanged at the forum to enable countries to study and apply to achieve comprehensive and sustainable urban development,” he said.

Other participants at the forum shared experience, research results and their views on the role of EST and smart cities, as well as the role of intelligent transport system in the realisation of smart cities.

The 13th Intergovernmental Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Forum will be held in Bangkok, Thailand next year.

Established by the UN in 2005, the forum is an important part of the Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) initiative. The annual event aims to boost Asian countries’ awareness of environmental protection in the transport sector, as well as build safer, more beautiful and sustainable urban areas and communities.

It has 25 member countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, Russia and Việt Nam. — VNS