Ministry of Environment established and announced Voluntary Environmental Management Agreements (VEMA) on September 19, 2002.  The Voluntary Environmental Management Agreements is based on businesses' voluntary action to set the pollutant reduction target and implement measures to achieve the target.  The agreement aims to harmonize environmental conservation and pursuit of profits by businesses' voluntary actions.

Businesses, companies and persons that discharge air and water pollutants, noise and vibration, toxic chemicals, soil pollutants, nightsoil and major pollutants that might affect global environment can sign these agreements.  These businesses will have such incentives as exemption from report and inspection, granting funding priority and technological support, etc.

Many developed countries have implemented these agreements.  For example, more than 300 businesses in EU signed agreements on reducing greenhouse gases, air pollutants, CFCs, and waste management, etc, and 137 businesses in 37 sectors in Japan signed these agreements.  Japan businesses voluntarily agreed on 10% reduction of CO2 by 2010.