Hanoi, August 25, 2014 – The World Bank today congratulated Vietnam on the high-level attention to building resilience of vulnerable areas like the Mekong Delta – which are especially impacted by climate change and disaster risks, as well as Vietnam’s green growth strategy and action plan, and urged the country to forge ahead on a low carbon and resilient growth path.
The statements were made during meetings between the World Bank Group Vice President & Special Envoy in charge of Climate Change, Rachel Kyte, and Vietnam State President Truong Tan Sang, and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.
"Climate change is a fact. It is intensifying threats to development and growth and there is no benefit in delaying action. Vietnam's leadership in climate action, green growth and building resilience is widely recognized," said Rachel Kyte. "Moreover, Vietnam recognizes the need to coordinate climate action at the highest level and we look forward to continuing to work together to tackle the climate challenge.”
During these meetings, the participants discussed several areas of mutual interest, including building resilience in vulnerable areas and sectors. They also discussed bilateral relationship on Climate Change and Green Growth, in which the World Bank official reaffirmed the Bank’s willingness to continue its support to Vietnam, by bringing in both global knowledge and financing.
The meetings were part of her visit to Vietnam on August 24-25, 2014 at the invitation of Vietnam’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. During this visit, Ms. Kyte attended a High-level Meeting on Climate Change with Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai and other high ranking officials. She also participated in a Mekong Delta Roundtable on collaboration amongst development partners, and a dialog with private sector companies on investments opportunities relating to climate change
In a field trip to Ben Tre Province, she learnt first- hand about the impacts that salinity intrusion and coastal erosion are already having on local economic development, people’s livelihoods, and gained an understanding of the adaptation strategies and coping mechanisms of local communities.
