VN continues to be Japan’s biggest ODA receiver

At an interview with the Hà Nội Mới Newspaper (New Hà Nội), Mr. Daisuke Matsunaga stated that, most projects were well carried out in 2007. He went on to say that Japan is pleased at Vietnam’s implementation of ODA projects as well as the Vietnamese Government’s solutions to curb inflation, which creates confidence for sponsors.

He also stressed that Japan is keen on the stance that Việt Nam is a permanent Japan's previleged ODA receiver. At the Sponsors Conference held in December 2007, Japan committed to sponsor US $1.1 billion to Việt Nam in the fiscal year of 2008, 20% higher than 2007.

Since starting giving ODA to Việt Nam in 1992, Japan has always focused on prioritized areas, such as infrastructure construction, human resources and education. In the time to come, Japan will head ODA to the fields of energy, environment and urban transportation.

Japan will continue to assist Hà Nội and Hồ Chí Minh City to build urban railway systems. Moreover, Japan will grant US $20 million for the development of the Central Highlands provinces in 2008. It will also pay more attention to small-scale non-refundable projects in Việt Nam’s countryside.

By Hải Minh