Hanoi (VNA) – Chairman of theHanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung has called on the Hanoi EvangelicalChurch (HEC) to join hands in environmental protection, thereby building a greenand modern city.

At a working session with the HEC onNovember 25, the official said Hanoi is stepping up efforts in environmentalprotection, such as investing in facilities for waste collection and treatment,and planting more trees under a plan to grow one million trees in the next fiveyears.

Chung acknowledged contributions made by theChristian community in Hanoi in general and the HEC in particular to thecapital city’s development over the years.

Extending his best wishes to the HEC aswell as local Protestants on the occasion of the centennial of the HEC lastOctober and the upcoming Christmas, the official promised that departments andagencies in Hanoi will do their best to help the Protestant community enjoymerry and peaceful holidays.

For his part, Lead Pastor Bui Quoc Phonginformed that the HEC has recently participated in a workshop on environmentalprotection held by the city administration.

He proposed the municipal People’sCommittee allow Protestant followers to take care of greenery near the HEC’sheadquarters and their residential areas, adding that the HEC has encouragedthe religious followers to contribute to keeping the city clean, such asputting out garbage at the designated place and time or cleaning up roads andalleys.

The Pastor voiced his hope that thecommittee will create optimal conditions for the HEC to organise a music galato celebrate the upcoming Christmas.-VNA