The 6 th meeting of the Vietnam – US Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) on Agent Orange (AO) opened in Hanoi from September 22.

The event aims to help the Vietnamese and US governments enhance their understanding about AO/dioxin exposure levels and propose recommendations based on scientific research on the chemical’s impact on human health and the environment.

US Ambassador to Vietnam David Shear spoke highly of the Vietnamese Government’s efforts and determination in cooperating with the US in overcoming the consequences of AO/dioxin for the Vietnamese people, affirming that the event offers a chance for the two governments to review achievements made by JAC over the past six years of operation.

The delegates reviewed cooperation in handling dioxin hot spots in Da Nang city, Bien Hoa city of Dong Nai province and Phu Cat district of Binh Dinh province and discussed scientific research and the National Action Programme on overcoming the consequences of AO/dioxin from now until 2015 and orientations towards 2020.

Dr. Le Ke Son, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Environment Administration and Chief of Office 33 (Office of the National Steering Committee on overcoming the consequences of toxic chemicals used by the US during the war in Vietnam) said that with the participation of US and international organisations, activities to overcome the consequences of AO/dioxin in Vietnam have been more effective./.