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As part of its international cooperation, the Japan strengthens its commitment to the Vietnam to combat the after-effects of chemicals toxic substances left by past conflicts. This initiative aims to provide technical and financial support to help with the assessment and remediation of contaminated areas. Through specialized equipment and training, Japan actively participates in the environmental rehabilitation of the country, thus illustrating the importance of synergies between nations in the face of the destructive legacies of war.
The Japanese government recently handed over specialized equipment for analyzing dioxins and environment at the Vietnamese Chemical Corps. This initiative, part of a broader collaboration between Japan and Vietnam, aims to help the latter manage the lasting effects of toxic chemicals from past conflicts, particularly the Vietnam War. The delivery of this material, dated January 16, is of crucial importance in the context of efforts to clean up and rehabilitate contaminated land.
Valuable technical aid for Vietnam
During a ceremony marking the handover, held in Ho Chi Minh City, Miho Hanai, director of the Japanese company Crow, signed with Hà Van Cu, commander of the Chemical Corps, the minutes of this delivery. This symbolic moment underlines Japan’s commitment to supporting Vietnam in its environmental rehabilitation and public health efforts. The equipment included a laboratory equipped with 25 analysis systems, the objective of which is to strengthen the capacities of NACCET (National Action Center for Toxic Chemicals and Environmental Treatment) and the Chemical Corps.
Significant investments
The project, which runs from 2019 to 2023, required a total investment of more than $2.8 million. Among this financing, more than $2.7 million come from non-repayable aid from the Japanese government. Additionally, counterpart funding was provided by the Vietnamese government, reflecting the importance of joint commitment to resolve issues inherited from past conflicts.
Clear objectives for depollution
This project aims to strengthen Vietnam’s capacity to investigate, assess and treat contaminated areas, particularly those affected byagent orange/dioxin. It also includes training elements for staff, to ensure effective use of new equipment, and support for the modernization of laboratory infrastructure dedicated to South Vietnam.
An urgent and humanitarian task
Hoàng Xuân Chiên, Deputy Minister of Defense, underlined the seriousness and urgency of the fight against chemical contamination, calling it a profoundly humanitarian mission. He expressed appreciation to the Japanese government for its cooperation, noting that this support reflects a strong and dynamic relationship between Japan and Vietnam, and helps overcome the aftereffects of war while protecting the environment. This initiative is also considered a significant step forward for the implementation of the Vietnamese national depollution plan for the period 2021-2030.
Impacts and future prospects
The project aims to substantially improve Vietnam’s capacity to manage contaminated areas, while accelerating rehabilitation and public health protection efforts. To maximize benefits, the Deputy Minister recommended that NACCET use the new equipment effectively, actively engaging in the assessment of areas affected by chemicals. He also encouraged the center to develop international collaborations and attract experts to apply advanced techniques in the treatment of environmental contaminations.
Ultimately, this collaboration constitutes a strong symbol of Japan’s commitment to supporting Vietnam in resolving the problems left by the war, while consolidating a partnership that continues to strengthen over the years. For more information on Japan-Vietnam relations, you can refer to this article here.
To learn more about recent developments in this cooperation, consult the following links:
Japan supports Vietnam to end chemical legacy of war,
Promote their cooperation to overcome the consequences of the war in Vietnam.
FAQ on Japan’s support for Vietnam regarding the consequences of wartime chemicals
What help is Japan providing to Vietnam in assessing dioxins? The Japanese government funded the delivery of dioxin and environmental analysis tools to the Vietnam Chemical Corps.
When was this material handed over? The materials were handed over on January 16 during an event in Ho Chi Minh City.
What is the objective of this Japanese support? The goal is to provide aid to Vietnam to deal with the aftermath of toxic chemicals left behind by the war, including Agent Orange and dioxin.
What type of equipment was provided? The equipment includes a laboratory equipped with 25 dioxin and environmental analysis systems.
What is the total investment amount for this project? The total investment amounts to more than 2.8 million dollars, of which more than 2.7 million comes from grant aid from Japan.
Who is overseeing the execution of this project? The project is managed by the Vietnam Ministry of Defense, with the National Action Center for Toxic Chemicals and Environmental Treatment (NACCET) in charge of its implementation.
What are the expected effects of this project? The project aims to improve Vietnam’s capacity to investigate, assess and remediate areas contaminated by toxic chemicals.
What measures did the Deputy Defense Minister highlight regarding this project? He stressed that combating chemical contamination is an urgent and humanitarian task, and expressed gratitude for Japan’s support.
What recommendations were made to maximize the benefits of this project? NACCET was advised to effectively utilize the equipment provided and expand international cooperation to attract qualified human resources and promote research on advanced technologies.