Asia needs to combine new and green business and production models with natural resources and environmental protection, said the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2010 on June 7.

Although being considered a driving force of the world’s economy for its fast and strong growth, Asia is vulnerable to climate change and environmental protection, said the forum. Therefore, sustainable development is a common matter for all countries in the region.

Deputy Environment Minister of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Yoon Jong Soo said that despite economic difficulties in 2008, the RoK invested 30 billion USD in its green growth strategy through environmental-friendly projects.

It resulted in a positive growth rate in 2009 and the country is expected to achieve a five percent growth this year, he said.

He went on to say that his country would continue with new green growth strategies and target to cut 30 percent of CO2 in 2020.

Green growth is not an option, it is a must and a new development direction, said Yoon Jong Soo.

For his part, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Thai Lai said that his Government have long- and short-term worked out both programmes to cope with the impacts of climate change and rising sea level.

The programmes have been devised with the participation of governments, ministries and localities and the international community’s assistance.

An executive from the German Metro Group Frans Muller said as the group consumes a large volume of energy, Metro has issued its energy saving policy which starts with changing the staff’s attitude and behaviours. Metro has also used solar energy in production and disposable packaging in products distribution.

The President of the General Electric (GE) Group in ASEAN region, Stuart Dean emphasised the importance of the cooperation between governments and businesses.

Businesses are aware of their benefits in pursuing green development and committed to active cooperating with their governments, he said.

The GE representative suggested that the governments put in place concrete policies like the RoK and Vietnam have done as well as free trade commitments to facilitate the development of the green economy./.