The World Bank (WB) is committed to providing financial, expert, and technical assistance to Vietnam, with the role of ASEAN Chair in 2020, to build a regional action plan on fighting ocean plastic waste, an executive of the WB has affirmed. Mr. Christophe Crepin, sector leader of the social, environmental and rural development unit in the East Asia and Pacific region at the WB, made the pledge at a working session with Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan in Hanoi on October 2. The executive added that the WB will also support Vietnam in domestic solid waste treatment and air quality management. Mr. Crepin noted that the WB has compiled a report themed “Solid and industrial hazardous waste management assessment in Vietnam: options and actions areas,” which was released in December 2018. The report has given Vietnam some suggestions on the issue. Deputy Minister Nhan proposed the WB update data on Vietnam’s solid waste in the report and support the country in building solid waste treatment models, work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in implementing the scheme on improving solid waste collection management capacity in Vietnam. Besides, Mr. Nhan hoped the WB will work with the ministry to roll out long-term measures to deal with air pollution in the country. According to a report last year by the General Statistics Office, nearly 20% of solid waste in Vietnam was not treated properly following national standards. The country discharges 19,000 tons of rubbish, 16% of which is made up of plastic waste, every day. (Bo Tai Nguyen Moi Truong, monre, baotainguyenmoitruong)