Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh recieved Senator Jenny McAllister

Welcoming Senator Jenny McAllister's visit, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh underscored Vietnam's deep appreciation for its relationship with Australia. Over the past fifty years, this relationship has evolved significantly, achieving noteworthy milestones, particularly in the realms of natural resources and the environment. Building upon this foundation, both countries are committed to a future of increasingly close and practical cooperation, meeting the needs of each nation and adapting to the evolving regional and global landscape, with a focus on green growth, green transformation, and carbon emission reduction.

From Vietnam's standpoint, the Deputy Minister emphasized Vietnam's commitment to pursuing sustainable green development and effectively responding to climate change in a stable and sustainable manner. Addressing climate change, especially the commitment to achieving net zero emissions pledged at COP26, ranks as Vietnam's top priority recognized by its Party, State, and National Assembly.

To encourage private sector investment in greenhouse gas emission reduction activities, Vietnam plans to launch a carbon market and initiate greenhouse gas emission trading activities from 2025, with full operation anticipated by 2028. Additionally, to garner international support for achieving net zero emissions by 2050, Vietnam aims to engage in domestic carbon credit trading activities, connecting with regional and global carbon markets.

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh engaged in a discussion with Ms. Jenny McAllister

Referring to Vietnam's Resource Mobilization Plan for the Implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh highlighted this plan as crucial for mobilizing support from the international community to achieve the JETP's objectives in Vietnam. The Deputy Minister expressed hope for interest from the Australian Senate and Government in promoting technology transfer and attracting investment from Australia into Vietnam's renewable energy market.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) is currently reviewing and amending Government Decree No. 06/NĐ-CP, focusing on elaborating provisions concerning the organization and development of the carbon market. MONRE proposes that Australia shares its expertise in building greenhouse gas emission reduction policies and provides technical assistance in developing and operating domestic carbon markets. This encompasses enhancing capacity-building activities, raising awareness, and improving access to information for businesses, particularly regarding carbon pricing mechanisms.

The delegates attended the reception and working session

Regarding the impact of climate change in the Mekong Delta and the adverse effects of water usage in the basin, Deputy Minister Thanh expressed concern about the region's current situation. He advocated for Australia's support for Vietnam and the Mekong River Commission, stressing the fair and efficient use of water resources among countries. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of promoting renewable energy to reduce reliance on hydropower and mitigate its environmental consequences.

Gratefully acknowledging Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh's insights, Ms. Jenny McAllister reaffirmed Australia's commitment to standing alongside Vietnam in its journey towards green growth and sustainable development. She expressed confidence in the expanding opportunities for collaboration between the two countries, especially considering Australian businesses' keen interest in investing in Vietnam's energy, environmental, and climate adaptation sectors./.

Ngoc Huyen (NRE Newspaper)