Green trade bible launched

HA NOI — Linkages between liberalised international trade or globalisation, protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development is the subject of a recent book, Greening Trade In Viet Nam.

The 15-chapter book released here by the UN, is an anthology of essays by leading experts, key government officials, farmers and other practitioners of sustainable development in Viet Nam supported by officials from various international bodies.

Its a first of its kind in English where most contributions have been made by Vietnamese scholars and policy makers.

They provide forthright, though provoking and pragmatic solutions which make interesting reading.

Greening Trade in Viet Nam outlines the concerns of developing countries like Viet Nam about the impact of their environmental policies on trade and development.

At the same time, it outlines several policies and practices in Viet Nam including safe vegetable production and traditional medicinal practices which are inherently environment-friendly.

While the book tries to balance the challenges and opportunities in reconciling trade and environment protection, there is an underlying streak of optimism which runs through the essays.

This is a "must read" for Asia watchers and donors who are often curious about the practices and views of these new members of the South East Asian community. — VNS

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