Experts gathered in Hanoi on November 5 to share information on curbing environmental pollution caused by mercury emissions and realising the United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury.

The function saw the participation of representatives from the Vietnam Environment Administration, the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation.

Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Environment Administration Nguyen The Dong said as the country is suffering from the socio-economic development pressure, environmental pollution caused by chemical emissions is a major problem.

The working session creates a good opportunity for the administration and related organisations to tighten their cooperation in keeping the mercury emission pollution in Vietnam under control.

Participants at the event said global experience shows that curbing chemical emissions is an effective method to restrain ecological contamination.

However, this approach is relatively new to Vietnam, they said, adding that’s why the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has worked closely with relevant organisations to promote the control of chemical pollution.

Participants also discussed a number of issues relating to the field such as proposing activities and calling on organisations to carry out activities to control mercury emission to the environment, with focus on the thermo-electricity and gold mining sectors.-VNA