ASEM countries need to increase bilateral and multilateral cooperation to respond more effectively to climate change, as the results of previous socio-economic and environmental protection cannot compensate for the possible losses caused by the impacts of climate change.

The Deputy Minister of Vietnam ’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha, stated this at the closing ceremony of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) on Climate Change in Ha Long City, the northern province of Quang Ninh on September 7.

More than 140 domestic and overseas delegates from 18 ASEM member nations heard 13 speeches focusing on three main issues, including the region’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, adapting to and opportunities and challenges for low carbon economies as well as opportunities for ASEM to concentrate on working closer together.

The participants agreed that climate change has become more complex in its member countries as there are few joint assessments made on its impacts and the region’s vulnerability.

The two-day forum has helped to strengthen joint initiatives between ASEM countries just before the forthcoming 16 th Conference of all the signatories to the UN Convention on Climate Change (COP 16) in Mexico and in the context of the international community’s joint efforts to keep the global average temperature no higher than two degrees Celsius before the industrial revolution.

By successfully hosting the forum, Vietnam has highlighted its proactive and responsible role, along with other ASEM members in coping with climate changes as well as its contributions to Asia-Europe cooperation.

The outcomes of the forum will be reported back at the 8 th ASEM Summit, which this year will take place in Brussels , Belgium , in September./.