03/12/2019
Prime Minister (PM) Nguyễn Xuân Phúc led a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation in a visit to Japan to attend the 14th G20 Summit. The 14th G20 Summit was held in Osaka City on June 28 - 29, 2019, with the participation of heads of state and leaders of 20 leading developed and emerging economies in the world. The visit, made at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was expected to open new cooperation opportunities between the two countries and promote bilateral relations.
In the days of the Summit, delegates discussed issues related to different themes including global economy; trade and investment; innovation; environment and energy; employment; women’s empowerment; sustainable development and health. In particular, the theme of environment and energy focused on 3 contents, including climate change, energy and environment (specifically, marine plastic waste).
Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc joins activities at 14th G20 Summit
At the Summit, PM Nguyễn Xuân Phúc had some important speeches on key issues of the Summit. The issues to be put on the table consist of the reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO), digital economy and environment, especially marine environment. The PM proposed some notable initiatives at the G20 Summit, receiving high commendation from the international community. Accordingly, the PM proposed an initiative to set up a global network on preventing plastic waste at a discussion on climate and environment. The PM emphasized impacts of climate change, environmental pollution and energy insecurity on mankind, while urging countries to mobilize and allocate effectively resources and fully carry out commitments in the Paris Agreement on climate.
He also called for increased support from the international community to nations that are vulnerable to climate change, including the Mekong Delta region of Việt Nam, with a view to coping with environmental changes. Plastic waste discharged into the sea seriously degrades the marine ecosystem, the PM said while asking countries to join hands in building institutions and regulations on sea and oceans in order to control, reduce and prevent marine plastic waste.
In addition, PM Nguyễn Xuân Phúc especially expresses interest in the area of innovation and the digital economy. The PM proposed several initiatives, including building up a global network connecting innovation centres including centres with development of Artificial Intelligence, technological renovation, as well as data administration via digital technology. According to the PM, awareness for the digital age is a key component for the future growth of Việt Nam. The digital economy will be a new driving force for the country to achieve the goal of rapid and sustainable growth.
Aside from participating in the Summit’s sessions, PM Nguyễn Xuân Phúc had bilateral meetings with leaders of G20 member economies.
On June 28 - 29, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Trần Hồng Hà joined the delegation of PM Nguyễn Xuân Phúc to attend the G20 Summit in Osaka. Just before the G20 Summit, the Ministerial Conference on the transformation of energy and the global environment for sustainable growth (June 15 - 16, 2019, Karuizawa) exchanged and agreed some related content, including: Joint Statement of the Ministerial Conference; G20 Marine Plastic Litter Implementation Framework Initiative.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has proposed some contents in Vietnam's contribution for discussions at G20, specifically:
In terms of climate change, it is necessary to have breakthrough solutions on a global scale, especially in mobilizing and effectively allocating resources to fully implement climate commitments. Countries need close cooperation and the G20 needs to promote its leading role in implementing its commitments, providing practical support to vulnerable countries to climate change.
In terms of energy, the transformation of the energy model from mainly dependent on fossil energy to renewable energy sources is of great significance globally and in each country, in order to both protect the environment and reduce mild climate change, both ensuring sustainable growth. Việt Nam has issued and is continuing to build important policies, enabling businesses and households to invest strongly and widely to develop solar and wind energy, energy sources.
Regarding ocean plastic waste, Việt Nam understands the importance and urgency in solving the problem of plastic waste in the country and joining hands with the international community. Việt Nam is currently developing a National Action Plan on the management of ocean plastic waste, launched the Anti-plastic Waste Movement from 2018. In international cooperation, Việt Nam proactively proposed and participated in a number of regional and global initiatives on ocean plastic waste, such as the ASEAN Action Framework on marine waste, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, taking part in the Global Action Cooperation Initiative on Plastics. Việt Nam supports G20 to develop G20 Action Framework on ocean plastic waste and acclaim Japan to establish a Regional Knowledge Center on plastic waste.
In the two days of the Summit, Minister Trần Hồng Hà attended the plenary session on the topic of climate change, environment and energy and the closing session; attended PM Nguyễn Xuân Phúc’s meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, European Commission President Jean-Claude Junker, Chile’s President Sebastian Piñera…
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This is the fourth time Việt Nam has participated in the G20 Summit as an honorary invitee of the host country. In the previous conferences, Việt Nam was actively engaged in and made responsible contributions, proposing and promoting some issues of concern among developing nations, particularly ASEAN member states. Many ideas raised by Việt Nam were recognized by G20 in joint statements, including upholding international cooperation in dealing with global economic issues, inclusive and sustainable development, agriculture and water security, and employment in the digital economy. These efforts have worked to improve Việt Nam’s position as a reliable and responsible partner of the international community. |
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