The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will help the Ministry of Construction of Vietnam to establish evaluation standards of energy efficiency for urban areas, as a part of approaches to environmentally friendly urban development. A participation of the Land ministry can create favorable business climate for Japanese construction contractors and real estate developers. It is included in the memorandum of understanding on the collaboration among two ministries signed on October 29th, marking the commemorative 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship. Feasibility study of eco-city development will also be undertaken in possible sites.

Rapidly expanding urbanization raises awareness of environment in Vietnam. MLIT will give a technical assistance in creating evaluation standards based on Japan’s Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE).

In addition to feasibility study to explore possibilities of eco-city development, Establishment of information sharing system between two countries is to be facilitated as a part of the collaboration. It will offer information such as projects in pipeline and candidate locations to private sectors hoping to start business in Vietnam. This will also help the Japanese Conference for Overseas Development of Eco-Cities to seek business opportunities.

The two ministries plan to hold a joint seminar in Vietnam within this fiscal year, where exchange of ideas, introducing Japanese advanced technologies and showcasing of eco-city in Japan are to take place. (2013/10/30)