Effective, Successful Cooperation between JICA & Vietnam

As one of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) executing bodies, JICA is mainly responsible for implementing technical cooperation for developing countries.

 

It started cooperation with Vietnam in 1992. JICA has contributed to building Vietnam in the following sectors: Human resources and institution building; economic infrastructure; agriculture and rural development; education, health and medical service; environment; improvement of living and social conditions; and institutional improvement.

 

JICA has supported Vietnam’s implementation of the 3-year Technical Cooperation Project strengthening the capacity for effective management and promoting FDI in the Foreign Investment Agency and provincial authorities in Hanoi, Vinh Phuc, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh, Dong Nai, Hoa Lac Hi Tech Park and Saigon Hi Tech Park in last July. The project is expected to further improve Vietnam’s investment environment under the framework of “Vietnam-Japan Joint Initiative to Improve Business Environment with a view to Strengthen Vietnam’s Competitiveness.”

 

The cooperation between JICA and Vietnam has been quite effective and successful, thanks to the Vietnamese government’s strong sense of ownership. JICA’s technical cooperation emphasizes joint work with the counterpart government, and will not impose any agenda without a consensus among partners. This style of cooperation nurtures sustainability and ownership, both of which are critical for sustained and broad-based development. In this context, the Vietnamese government is JICA’s strong partner.

 

To contribute further to Vietnam’s socio-economic development and help solve arising issues, JICA will implement cooperation in growth promotion and competitiveness; livelihood improvement and narrowing disparity; environmental protection; and strengthening governance.

 

In 2008, two major Japanese ODA implementing agencies, namely JICA and JBIC (Japan Bank for International Cooperation) will merge into one integrated ODA executing institution, offering loans, technical assistance, and grant aid. Hopefully, the new JICA will create even more favourable conditions for cooperation in Vietnam and will better meet Vietnam’s development needs.