Vietnam is resolved to change its growth model towards a green economy, with a Green Growth Strategy to 2020 now under construction, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai said at a national meeting on June 3 on the occasion of the World Environment Day (June 5).

Green economy is the chosen path for development in many countries worldwide, the Deputy PM said, adding Vietnam has adopted several policies in this direction, such as a law on economic and effective use of energy and a strategy promoting cleaner production until 2030.

Hai emphasised the need to reduce exploitation of natural resources, develop environmentally-friendly industries and increase the use of renewable energies. He also called on each people to adopt a green lifestyle to help protect the environment.

This year’s World Environment Day takes the theme of “Green Economy: Does it include you.” In respond to this day and the 2012 International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the General Confederation of Labour and the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee jointly held the June 3 meeting in Quang Ninh’s Ha Long City.

Following the meeting, the guests joined local people in planting trees at the dumping ground of Ha Tu Coal Mining Company-VNA