Vietnam Fosters Cooperation with Japan in Next-Generation ODA Programs

Vietnamese Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc held a working session with Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio on March 4 to discuss strategies to enhance the implementation of next-generation official development assistance (ODA) programs.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) proposed discussions with Japan on key areas, such as transportation and infrastructure; environment and natural disasters and climate change response; rural agriculture; and healthcare.

In the working session, the minister also requested continued support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to collaborate with Vietnam in promoting and executing projects to accelerate the disbursement of public investment funds. He urged JICA to promptly dispatch inspection delegations to soon complete the investment procedures for domestic projects, facilitate the signing of loan agreements, and ensure implementation progress.

On March 9-13, Minister Phoc will lead a working delegation to work in Japan. During this visit, the minister will preside over an investment promotion conference with Japanese businesses and meet with Japanese ministries and agencies.

Ambassador Yamada Takio emphasized that the MoF’s coming visit to Japan is a significant milestone in the cooperative relationship between the two countries.

The ambassador added that Japan and Vietnam need to collaborate in building a strategic vision for implementing ODA projects through dialogues to address arising issues and expedite the progress of project execution. Therefore, Japan is ready to dispatch financial experts to the Vietnamese ministry to share experiences and address problems in ODA projects.

(TBTCVN, Thue Nha Nuoc, MoF)