During the meeting, Ms. Aler Grubbs evaluated the milestone developments in the Vietnam-U.S. relationship, particularly after both parties elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2023. 

According to Ms. Grubbs, Vietnam has made strong commitments and affirmed its determination to achieve the Net-Zero goal by 2050 at COP26 and COP28 conferences. The USAID National Director also acknowledged Vietnam's efforts in reducing plastic pollution, which is currently a significant global challenge.

Ms. Grubbs proposed that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) support the approval process for a new collaborative project between USAID and the ministry focusing on plastic waste reduction. She also expressed a desire to hear suggestions and proposals from MONRE regarding areas where USAID could further support Vietnam.

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh received Ms. Aler Grubbs, Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Vietnam

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh expressed appreciation for USAID's timely support in implementing, developing, and updating environmental protection regulations through projects aimed at reducing environmental pollution. 

Specifically, the draft amendments to Decree 08/2022/ND-CP guiding the Environmental Protection Law 2020 have been finalized. Additionally, other documents under different laws, including Circular 02/TT-BTNMT and Waste Standards… are being revised.

In the near future, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh welcomed the upcoming cooperation project with USAID on plastic pollution reduction. Accordingly, the Ministry is actively approving project documents to ensure that the project is passed as soon as possible.

During the exchange, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh raised opinions related to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) issue that Vietnam is striving to implement. However, this remains a new issue, so there are still many challenges and difficulties, such as the EPR fund issue.

Ngoc Huyen