The three-day event is jointly held by the Vietnam Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), the Ministry of the Environment of Japan (MOEJ), and the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD).

In his speech, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan highlighted the significance of the forum, which was initiated by the MOEJ and UNCRD in 2004, saying that it will help promote high-level policy dialogues to deal with 3R-related issues, as well as solid waste management, sustainable production and consumption, and reasonable material circulation.

The event provided an excellent opportunity for Vietnam to share and learn from other countries’ experience in waste management and to boost cooperation with UNCRD, MOEJ and other regional countries for environmental protection, the efficient use of energy and natural resources, and climate change adaptation, he said.

MONRE Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Quang said that over the past four years, as many as 127 parties have signed an agreement to reduce plastic bag waste. As a result, 7,100 tonnes of plastic bags have not been used, helping save around US$15 million.

In Vietnam, he said, the Prime Minister has approved a national target programme on solid waste management until 2025, with a vision to 2050, aimed at treating 90-100 percent of solid waste in both urban and rural areas.

Under the overall theme of "3Rs in the Context of Rio+20 Outcome - The Future We Want", the Fourth Regional 3R Forum in Asia will address the 3Rs and measures for using resources efficiently towards a zero waste society.

Delegates are also expected to adopt the “Hanoi 3R Declaration - Sustainable 3R Goals for Asia 2013-2023” to promote the efficient use of natural resources.

 VOV