Vietnam to Set up Working Group to Speed up WB-funded Projects: Deputy PM

The Vietnamese government will soon establish an interdisciplinary working group, led by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong, to address shortcomings in the deployment of World Bank-funded projects in the country, an official has said.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang made the statement when receiving World Bank Country Director in Vietnam Carolyn Turk in Hanoi on November 3.

Mr. Quang affirmed that he would assign the Ministry of Planning and Investment to make a list of projects in preparation and remove those failing to complete the preparation within 24 months per the World Bank regulation.

For her part, Ms. Turk affirmed her willingness to work closely with the working group to settle ongoing issues.

Besides, the two sides agreed to maintain quarterly meetings to inspect the progress of World Bank projects in Vietnam.

Since 1993, the World Bank has provided Vietnam with around $25 billion of preferential capital, along with technical support and policy consultant, to contribute to the development of the Southeast Asian country.

(Bao Quoc Te, Dang Cong San, Bao Chinh Phu, tamnhin.trithuccuocsong.vn)