The fourth Regional 3R Forum in Asia is a new opportunity for Vietnam to learn from 30 Asian-Pacific nations’ experience in waste management, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan has said.

At the three-day forum that opened in Hanoi on March 18, Nhan underscored the significance of the forum on waste reducing, reusing and recycling (3R) to protect the environment.

It is a chance for Vietnam to bolster cooperation with the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), the Japanese Ministry of Environment and participating nations in environmental protection, efficient use of energy and resources, and coping with climate change, Nhan said.

He said he hoped the event will accelerate policy dialogue among relevant agencies to solve the issue of 3R and solid waste management, and sustainable production and consumption.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Minh Quang said over the last four years, 127 concerned parties have reduced nylon waste by 7,100 tonnes, saving 15 million USD. Under the targets set for 2025 in Vietnam , all urban areas will have solid waste recycling works and all urban daily and industrial solid waste, 90 percent of construction waste and household waste will be collected and treated.

The forum will focus on 3Rs and measures to effectively use resources, consider new emerging issues and 3R infrastructure.

The participating nations are expected to adopt the Hanoi 3R Declaration – Sustainable 3R goals for Asia for the 2013-2023 period.-VNA