Vietnam, US share experience in urban development

Meeting with Solomon Greene, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in Washington DC recently, Nghi shared Vietnam's policies on social housing development and apartment renovation, as well as its experiences in responding to climate change as well as disaster and disease prevention.

The two sides exchanged experiences and policy solutions related to housing and urban development in their respective country.

Greene briefed the Vietnamese guests on challenges facing the US administration in ensuring access to housing and homeownership for its citizens, affirming that the policy of housing in general, and that for low-incomers in particular, plays a crucial role in the development of the US society.

To mitigate the impacts of climate change, the locations for developing residential areas are carefully selected, he said, adding that HUD maintains the assessment and mapping of flood-prone areas and disaster risks, and updates them periodically to provide warnings to local communities.

Additionally, the department has launched an US$800 million programme to renovate existing infrastructure, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce energy loss, helping to lower energy costs for users, said the official.