Hanoi (VNA) – In a decisive push for cleaner air, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is gearing up to roll out a national action plan on air pollution control, setting out concrete goals for 2025–2030, with tailored strategies for each pollution source.
Recognising air pollution as one of the most pressing environmental challenges in the country, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh recommended that apart from the double-digit economic growth target, Vietnam must pay attention to environmental protection.
Speaking at the national scientific workshop on air quality control and improvement held on April 24–25, the official called on ministries, businesses, and communities to join hands to restore clear skies, protect public health, and build a sustainable living environment.
Thanh also revealed that air quality index (AQI) data from major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City frequently fall into the “moderate” or “poor” categories. In recent months, their fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels have regularly exceeded national technical standards and far surpassed World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations.
Worryingly, air pollution is no longer just a seasonal issue, it has become spatially extensive, affecting larger areas, he noted.
The deputy minister pointed to several major contributors to the crisis such as emissions from fossil-fuel powered vehicles, poorly controlled urban construction, industrial discharge, and open burning of rice straw, waste, and biomass. He also hinted at possible natural and cross-border pollution sources such as agricultural dust, forest fires, and smoke drifting from neighbouring countries – which, while not yet officially researched, are now under discussion.
According to the official, in response, the ministry is working with relevant authorities to implement emission inventories in the northern and southern key economic zones, aimed at supporting data analysis, modelling, and pollution forecasting.
“We are currently piloting a 48-hour air quality forecasting model at the northern environmental monitoring centre,” Thanh shared.
Additionally, the ministry is finalising the national action plan on air quality with specific objectives for different pollution sources, including traffic, construction, and emissions.
Vietnam is also leveraging international cooperation. Collaboration is underway with organisations such as UNDP, ADB, World Bank, and UNEP, as well as major domestic corporations. These partnerships focus on deploying air quality monitoring networks, transferring technology, promoting green transport, and mobilising financial and technical resources.
“In the near future, we plan to send two official delegations, including a high-level ministerial mission, to study air quality management experiences in Beijing,” Thanh added.
The official also called on international partners and organisations to continue supporting Vietnam with technology, expertise, and resources to effectively manage air quality.
Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, stated that tackling air pollution must be a top national priority. She urged the Vietnamese Government to strengthen air quality monitoring and statistical databases to better address major sources of pollution.
Khalidi stressed that Vietnam needs a multi-sectoral and multi-level approach, anchored in strong government leadership and close coordination across ministries, local authorities, businesses, academia, media, and community stakeholders./.
