JICA continues close cooperation, rapid and effective implementation of ODA projects in Vietnam

Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu receives JICA Senior Vice President Hataeda Mikio. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

During the meeting, Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu expressed his pleasure at the increasingly comprehensive and substantive development of the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He emphasized that Japan is one of Vietnam's most important partners in Official Development Assistance (ODA) cooperation, accounting for approximately 30% of the total international ODA provided to Vietnam.

He praised the significance of Japan's ODA funding for Vietnam’s socio-economic development over the years, highlighting key projects such as Nhat Tan Bridge, Bai Chay Bridge, and Noi Bai International Airport. He reaffirmed that the Vietnamese government views ODA as a critical resource for the country's development and investment.

The Deputy Minister proposed that Japan closely cooperate in accelerating the projects listed in the priority economic cooperation fact sheet agreed upon by the two countries’ senior leaders at the end of 2023. He emphasized the need to revitalize ODA cooperation in the near future, ensuring that it aligns with Vietnam’s current situation, and suggested considering new-generation ODA loans with more favorable conditions and flexible procedures.

JICA Senior Vice President Hataeda Mikio expressed his appreciation for the attention and guidance of the Vietnamese government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu in promoting the progress of ODA cooperation projects in Vietnam.

Mr. Hataeda Mikio agreed with Deputy Minister Vu's proposal to continue working closely with Vietnam to quickly and effectively implement ODA cooperation projects, including the Vietnam-Japan University project, the Cho Ray Hospital project, and the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien section) project.

He also mentioned that JICA is arranging to send survey teams to Vietnam soon to assess the possibility of providing ODA for 11 climate change response and disaster-resilient rural development projects in northern mountainous provinces, which have been impacted by super typhoon Yagi.

On this occasion, Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu expressed his gratitude for JICA's support to the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam through cooperation programs and equipment for students. He affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam would continue to strengthen coordination with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and JICA in the future./.