A Vietnamese official says the government must remove harmful subsidies and policy barriers if its wants to join in a worldwide shift toward a more environmentally sensitive economy.

Nguyen Van Tai, an official with the Natural Resources Ministry, told a policy forum Tuesday that Vietnam’s economy is overly dependent on the exploitation of natural resources and inefficient practices. He said polluters occupy a large portion of Vietnam’s economy.

Tai was speaking in Hanoi at the Green Growth Forum, an event backed by Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea and Britain. The forum is part of an Asia-Europe meeting initiative.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh also endorsed the principle of green growth at the forum, saying it can foster global economic growth and recovery.

South Korean delegate Myon Lee said green growth is not possible without a strong political and social commitment. She said it is also essential for the private sector to play a role.