Thesuggestion was made by General Secretary of the Association of Cities inVietnam Vu Thi Vinh during a recent interview with Vietnam News Agency.
Green growth plays an important role in ensuringsustainable and effective economic development in Vietnam ,significantly contributing to implementing the national strategy onclimate change, Vinh said.
In 2012, the Prime Ministerapproved t he National Green Growth Strategy for the 2011-2020 periodwith a vision to 2050.
Green growth has been ofincreasing concern to many countries in the world in recent years. It isconsidered the shortest way towards sustainable economic development asit contributes to creating jobs, reducing poverty and improving thematerial and spiritual life of all people.
The establishmentof a green growth economy is based on an investment increase inprotecting the environment, development and efficient use of naturalresources , reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and theimprovement of environmental quality , thus stimulating economicgrowth, Vinh stressed.
On the other hand, greengrowth development should also be based on science and moderntechnologies which are suitable to Vietnam ’s conditions, she added.
Vietnam set a target of urbanisingsustainably through making and managing plans. Areas which are affectedby climate change are required to adjust infrastructure developmentappropriately to reduce losses to the economy.
The countryhas over 760 urbanised areas, of them 111 are cities and towns, Vinhsaid, noting that urbanisation, industrialisation and modernisation havebrought many remarkable economic achievements, changing the landscapeof Vietnam ’s urban areas.
However, urban development alsoshows many limitations, having a negative effect on natural resourcesand causing water pollution, she added.
For the success ofgreen growth, political resolve of authorities is very important,according to the expert, who also underlined the important role playedby enterprises and the private sector. She said enterprises should applymodern technologies to increase effectiveness of production and createenvironmentally friendly products, contributing to boosting sustainabledevelopment.
At the same time, people, as “green consumers”,should not use products that will damage their health and theenvironment. They are entitled to ask providers to create and supplyeco-friendly products and services. Changes in awareness and habits inpurchasing and using goods will contribute to changing society for thebetter.-VNA