Vietnam Deputy PM Pledges Speedier Implementation of ODA Programmes

Vietnam Deputy PM Pledges Speedier Implementation of ODA Programmes

The Vietnamese Government will focus on accelerating the implementation of official development assistance (ODA) programs and projects in the future, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan told the mid-term Consultative Group Meeting which was held in Can Tho City on June 3-4.

He also said that the Government will pay attention to improving the investment environment, boosting comprehensive economic development, stabilizing prices, preparing conditions for joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), furthering administrative reforms, combating corruption and resolving some pressing social issues.

During the meeting, 130 representatives from 40 countries and international organizations, high-ranking Vietnamese officials and counselors of countries that are carrying out development assistance programs in Vietnam focused their discussions on the principles and plan of assistance in the 2006-10 period, the socio-economic development scheme and the new poverty reduction program for Vietnam.

They also deliberated on how well Vietnam has implemented the reform roadmap for entering the WTO, particularly reforms in the banking, administrative and legal sectors.

In addition, Vietnam's efforts in combating corruption, HIV/AIDS and avian influenza were also debated in the meeting.

Donors proposed that Vietnam further perfect its legal system, with a view to establishing a stable, transparent and fair business environment for all economic sectors; hence the efficient use of foreign capital sources.

During the meeting, Klaus Rohland, the World Bank's Country Director for Vietnam, committed that the WB would continue to assist Vietnam in socio-economic development areas.

He said that the WB has financed Vietnam $5 billion to date, of which $1 billion has been disbursed.

International and bilateral donors committed a record $3.4 billion to Vietnam during the previous meeting in December 2004.

At this meeting, the Mekong delta provinces called for foreign assistance and investment for the next five years. Can Tho City alone called for foreign assistance and investment, worth over $1.45 billion, for 19 projects which will be carried out between now and 2010.

Over the past five years, Can Tho has implemented 21 ODA-funded projects, valued at $97 million. Vietnam Economic Times