It is a public-private programme, with a total state budget of 150 million yen, according to Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). According to MIC, Japan considers the programme a key pillar in its future economic development strategy. Japan will carry out a pilot project to evaluate water and air quality in Vietnam with the company NTT DATA, which has been successful in developing social infrastructure and IT in modern urban areas in Japan. Under the programme, a centre will be set up to analyse environmental data such as water and air quality and equipment will be installed in various locations in Vietnam. NTT DATA will research Mekong River water levels and quality, as well as the air quality in Ho Chi Minh City. The company will collect energy data from industrial parks in the outskirts of Hanoi to determine ways to use power in a more economical and effective manner./.