The World Bank (WB) highly values Vietnam’s green growth strategy and the measures the country is taking to cope with climate change, said WB Vice President Rachel Kyte.

During a meeting with President Truong Tan Sang in Hanoi on August 25, Kyte, who also acts as WB Special Envoy for climate change, suggested that Vietnam should develop more programmes to achieve its goals in the field.

The WB official briefed her host on the outcomes of her meetings with Vietnamese agencies, as well as the results of her fact-finding tour to the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre, where she looked into the impact of climate change on the lives of local residents.

Mentioning other countries’ efforts and experience in dealing with climate change, Kyte advised Vietnam to prioritise urgent response programmes for effective adaptation.

She said she is convinced that with effective coordination between Vietnam’s different ministries, sectors and localities, as well as support from the WB, the country will gain achievements in climate change adaptation, ensuring a sustainable future for its people.

For his part, President Sang spoke highly of Kyte’s visit and her trip to Ben Tre.

He noted that as climate change and sea level rise are impacting on Vietnam, particularly the Mekong Delta region, the country is working hard to restore mangrove forests and upgrading dyke systems.

He thanked the WB for its support for and contributions to Vietnam ’s socio-economic development, and expressed his wish that the bank will continue assisting the country in its climate change adaptation efforts.-VNA