Vietnam to join global deal on plastic pollution

Implementing the direction of the Deputy Prime Minister, on May 22, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan chaired a meeting of the Working Group negotiating the Global Agreement on Plastic Pollution.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan chaired the meeting of the Working Group negotiating the Global Agreement on Plastic Pollution.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has proposed that countries join in negotiating a legally binding document to address the plastic pollution crisis, in the face of the ongoing global plastic waste pollution situation, causing serious consequences and greatly affecting the environment and public health.

As proposed by UNEP, the Global Deal on Plastic Pollution will aim to end plastic pollution, protect human health and the environment from adverse impacts throughout the life cycle of plastic; reduce the production, use and disposal of plastic, and promote a circular plastic economy .

Obligations that countries focus on negotiating, such as phasing out or reducing the supply and demand for virgin polymers; for problematic plastics, bans and phasing out from monitoring raw material production, and import controls. Parties will also discuss banning, phasing out or reducing the production, consumption and use of chemicals and polymers, with measures such as regulation through bans, phasing out, reductions or controls, import and export requirements; increasing transparency through tracking of grades and volumes, disclosure requirements, marking and labelling. Accelerating the transition by encouraging innovation and alternatives (including green/sustainable chemistry and chemical simplification; encouraging research and development of sustainable additives and polymers).

In addition, the Agreement also focuses on the issue of microplastics, improving waste management, and promoting product circularity. Encourage the reduction, reuse, and repair of plastic products and packaging. Promote the use of safe and sustainable alternatives. Facilitate a just transition, including the inclusive transition of the informal waste sector.

Mr. Hoang Xuan Huy - Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) informed about participating in the negotiation of the Global Agreement on Plastic Pollution

Participating in the negotiations of the Global Agreement on Plastic Pollution, it is expected that the Vietnam Negotiation Working Group will have representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice , the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, the VCCI and production associations.

In particular, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will be responsible for managing and chairing negotiations on mechanisms, policies and laws on waste management (including plastic waste and ocean plastic waste); recycling, reuse and treatment of plastic waste; Management, reduction, collection, transportation, treatment of waste, plastic waste and ocean plastic waste; Recycling responsibility of manufacturers and importers of plastic products and plastic packaging (EPR); Eco-labels for environmentally friendly plastic bags and environmentally friendly products; Deposit refunds to increase recycling and reuse of plastic waste; Models to promote the development of a circular economy in the field of recycling and reuse of plastic waste; Training, communication, raising awareness for organizations and individuals on management, reduction, recycling, reuse and treatment of plastic waste; Import of plastic scrap as raw materials for production.

In his speech, Deputy Minister Vo Tuan Nhan said that plastic pollution is a global problem. If not prevented in time, humanity will suffer many impacts and unpredictable consequences in the future. In preparation for the negotiation of the Global Agreement on Plastic Pollution, the Deputy Minister requested a correct assessment of the current situation of plastic waste in Vietnam, with comparisons with other countries as a basis for planning the negotiation. The policy and content of the negotiation must be consistent with Vietnamese and international laws. After agreeing on the content of the negotiation, Vietnam needs to consider internalizing the provisions of the Agreement - these are contents that will have a significant impact on the plastics industry and people's awareness and consumption behavior.

Discussing the participation in the negotiation of this Agreement, representatives of ministries and branches suggested that the Working Group for Negotiating the Global Agreement on Plastic Pollution should review domestic laws and international commitments that Vietnam has participated in, thereby clearly defining Vietnam's implementation limits to make highly feasible commitments./.

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