Vietnam and Japanese officials gathered in Hanoi on Feb. 16 to discuss chemical contamination and challenges in the environment.

Addressing the workshop, Deputy Head of the General Environment Department Nguyen The Dong affirmed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment pays special attention to sharing experience in management and cooperation in handling pollution caused by chemicals with regional and global countries, including Japan.

Nguyen Anh Tuan from the General Environment Department said the chemical pollution links chemical production and business, and causes negative impacts on people’s health.

There are about 1,153 sites contaminated by herbicides nationwide due to poor management and past use of chemicals.

The Prime Minister on October 21, 2010 issued a decision to approve a plan on treatment and prevention of chemically polluted environments.

Aki Nakauchi from the Japanese Environment Ministry shared Japan’s achievements in the fight against pollution and environmental degradation, as well as its lessons, particularly policies on community education and the role of the community in addressing environmental issues./.