(MPI) - Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong held a working session in Hanoi on June 17 with a delegation from the World Bank (WB) led by Kathleen A. Whimp, Operations Manager for the WB in Vietnam, East Asia and the Pacific, during which the two sides discussed cooperation activities between the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and WB in recent times.

At the working session. Photo: MPI

Deputy Minister Phuong said that cooperation with the WB is one of Vietnam’s priorities, and the country has established a working group to resolve problems during the implementation of WB’s projects in Vietnam.

The bank is one of the largest development partners and foreign loan providers of Vietnam; WB and the Government of Vietnam, particularly the MPI, has enjoyed fruitful cooperation over the past time.

Kathleen, for her part, said the World Bank Group (WBG) has developed the Country Partnership Framework for Vietnam over the next five-year period FY23-27, and will coordinate closely with Vietnamese agencies and authorities to concretise these contents, including plan to use effectively the WB’s resources.

The two sides at the meeting discussed solutions to resolve difficulties and obstacles to accelerate the implementation of WB-loaned projects, including projects on the Mekong Delta's sustainable development in adaptation to climate change (Mekong DPO projects).

Regarding the slow preparation and approval of Mekong DPO projects compared to the planned schedule, Deputy Minister Phuong said that the MPI is committed to collaborating closely with relevant agencies to speed up the progress.

To overcome challenges and discrepancies between the WB’s regulations and Vietnam’s laws, the Vietnamese Government attaches importance to soon promote the disbursement of WB’s loans and resource, he added, suggesting the WB coordinate with the MPI in simplifying procedures and ensuring harmony with Vietnam's reality./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment