The
British Council has launched an eco-friendly business competition for
entrepreneurs.

Up to six cash prizes worth VND720
million will be awarded to those shortlisted. There are two prize categories –
start-ups (worth VND100 million [US$4,800] each) and step-ups (for existing
projects), worth VND140 million each.

A similar competition has been
launched in other Asia Pacific countries including Australia, China, Japan,
Indonesia, South Korea and Thailand.

Entries, which should be submitted
by July 3, have to clearly address some of the biggest environmental challenges
facing local urban communities, and solutions to those problems. These include
waste reduction and efficiency, environmental transport and travel, energy
reduction, water efficiency and sustainable design.

Robin Rickard, the British Council
Viet Nam director, said Viet Nam was a fast-moving dynamic and truly
entrepreneurial country. However, he said it was also one of the countries most
at risk from climate change.

“We know from our experience of
working with young people that this scenario has prompted huge concern for the
environment,” he said. “Against this backdrop we are convinced that Viet Nam
will be well represented among the future’s eco entrepreneurs and we want to
help.”

The competition is co-organised by
the British Council and Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance.

For more information, go to
www.e-idea.org.

VietNamNet/Viet
Nam News