Local environment experts and business representatives gathered in Hanoi on July 6 to discuss environmental issues and corporate responsibilities in protecting the environment.

Participants discussed the environment’s impacts on the economic growth and development of Vietnam.

Representatives of the Institute of Ecology and Environment and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry agreed that enterprises, especially private ones, have an important role in environmental protection activities.

Strengthening the corporate link in environmental protection will help ensure the sustainable development for both enterprises and the community, they said.

David John Champion, Managing Director of Bayer Vietnam Ltd., said his company has always paid due attention to fulfilling corporate’s social responsibilities, including protecting the environment.

This spirit is well reflected in Bayer’s activities over the past five years, especially its programme on selecting 80 environment ambassadors, who are best-performing students in writing and drawing competitions.

EasybizVietnam, a joint stock company of Vietnam’s 3Cdotcom and Denmark’s EB Global, have been providing consultancy for local enterprises on the use of energy efficient lights, recycled paper, construction of hygienic WCs and dining rooms for workers using environmentally friendly materials.

The workshop is jointly held by the Global Convention Network of Vietnam (GCNV) and the alliance of Vietnam non-governmental organisations.

Founded in 2007, the GCNV is an alliance of enterprises, NGOs, governmental agencies, universities and institutes in Vietnam. It aims to promote fulfilment of social responsibilities and human rights activities, improve labour conditions, protect the environment and combat corruption./.