EPA Efforts in the Asia-Pacific Region

EPA works with nations in the Asia-Pacific region to protect the global environment and public health. Our work focuses on building the environmental protection capacity of large and developing economies and population centers. We also collaborate on multilateral, regional and global initiatives with Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan, and partner with the Asian Development Bank. 

Explore our work in the Asia-Pacific region:

• Examples of Work in the Region
• Where We Work
• Contacts

Examples of Work in the Region

Japan

The United States and Japan are among the world’s largest economies and technologically advanced nations. Our countries cooperate bilaterally and multilaterally through processes such as the G7 and G20 on environmental protection matters. A formal agreement between our countries dates back to 1975. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and The Ministry of the Environment of Japan partner to share expertise and address issues that include marine litter, resource efficiency, food waste, decontamination and environmental management, mercury monitoring, implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and regional air quality. EPA also coordinates with the Embassy of Japan in the United States of America, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and other departments and institutions in the country.

Vietnam

A coastal nation of approximately ninety-four million people, Vietnam is one of Asia’s fastest emerging economies and an important environmental partner for EPA.  EPA is collaborating with Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) to strengthen environmental laws and institutions by training environmental officials on reviewing environmental impact assessments, conducting environmental inspections, developing permitting standards, enforcing regulations, and providing environmental information to the public.  These efforts are advancing increased compliance with environmental laws, improved air and water quality, better waste management, increased public participation and access to environmental information, and improved chemical management by industry. 

• Between February and April 2021, EPA held a series of virtual technical exchanges with the Vietnam Environment Administration of MONRE to help strengthen Vietnam’s environmental quality standards. During this activity, EPA also developed a four-part series that provides an introductory overview of surface water quality standards, water quality monitoring, identification of impaired waters, and development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). View the training series.

Where We Work

Explore the links below to learn more about EPA's collaboration with government ministries in the following countries in the Asia Pacific Region.

• Australia
• Japan
• Pacific Islands
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Vietnam

EPA also engages with other countries in the Asia Pacific region through multilateral, regional and global initiatives or on select technical issues.

EPA’s Office of International and Tribal Affairs serves as EPA’s point of contact for information and requests related to foreign countries.

Contacts