Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) has submitted a report on measures for air pollution containment to Prime Minister through a policy on supporting the development of renewable energy-adopted vehicles, local media reported. The ministry proposed the ratification of a draft law on environment protection and the enactment of the government’s resolution on air contamination control, in which eco-friendly transport vehicles are encouraged for use. The MoNRE also recommended distributing the implementation of the mission by relevant ministries and agencies. Accordingly, the Ministry of Transport will take charge of developing a strategy on environment- friendly means of transport. The Ministry of Finance will team up with the MoNRE to review and suggest the government add several types of eco-friendly cars such as hybrid and electric automobiles. For its part, the ministry will be responsible for devising national technical standards for gas emissions as well as an applicable roadmap for transport vehicles. Research conducted by Vietnamese experts showed that Vietnam suffered between $10.8 billion and $13.2 billion worth of economic losses linked with ambient air pollution each year, equivalent to about 5% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to a report by the local newswire VnExpress (VnExpress) published earlier on March 1. (Vietnam Plus, Vietnam Plus, Bao Phap Luat)
