Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has proposed that countries in the Mekong River basin boost the development of the green and circular economies and renewable energy to contribute to sustainable development while ensuring energy security and responding to climate change.

Addressing the fourth Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit in Vientiane, Laos, on April 5, Prime Minister Chinh noted that the Mekong River basin is facing great challenges due to the combined impact of climate change, the requirements of economic development, and rapid increase in water use, which degrade the river’s water resources in both quantity and quality, directly affecting efforts to ensure water and food security in countries within the basin.

He suggested that countries enhance cooperation in waterways to promote links between economies and boost commercial exchanges while ensuring safe and effective transport to not damage water resources or the environment.

Strengthening cooperation with partners to make use of their support in financial resources, knowledge, experience and modern technology is also needed, he added.

He also affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to cooperation in building a prosperous, fair, and healthy Mekong River basin.