We have just recruited an economic specialist at the Embassy, Ms Trang. Her job will be to consider, together with colleagues in DFID, how the UK and Vietnam can better co-operate to ensure sustained economic development in a way which does not lead to a large growth in carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change.

More generally, I very much welcome recent decisions by the government of Vietnam which make clear their concern that industry, including new investment, should not have a harmful effect on the environment. This is important for future sustainable growth and the well being of Vietnamese society and its people. Vietnam should not accept investment which will damage the environment.

We can all contribute to helping preserve the environment. We should be careful not to use electricity unnecessarily- switching off lights when not needed, for example. We should avoid throwing litter in the street. I have taken part in campaigns in Hanoi to pick up litter which spoils this beautiful city. And when possible we should use environmentally friendly transport means. The traffic congestion in Hanoi is getting worse. I recently was unable to attend the Cambodian National Day Celebration because it was impossible to move through the traffic. In Europe, more people are using bicycles rather than cars. I was impressed this week to see my Finnish colleague, Ambassador Pekka Hyronnen, going to a meeting at the French Embassy by bicycle. I try to walk from my house to the Embassy when possible, but I could still do more. I will try harder in future!

What are our views about the environment in Vietnam and the world?

- Mark Kent, British Ambassador to Vietnam

Notes for Editors

See also: Ambassador's vietnamese language blog

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