VietNamNet Bridge – Director of the Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment Nguyen Van Suu talked about the difficulties ODA-funded projects would face when Japan suspended its ODA pledges.

Director of the Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment Nguyen Van Suu.

VietNamNet

Bridge – Director of the Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment Nguyen Van Suu talked about the difficulties ODA-funded projects would face when Japan suspended its ODA pledges.

Japan has announced the suspension of its ODA projects in Vietnam, including projects for Hanoi. Did the Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment anticipate this situation?

We have not officially been informed about the suspension of Japanese ODA-funded projects in Hanoi.

At the Consultative Group Meeting last week, Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc said that two of three big projects which Japan had suspended grants of ODA for are the water drainage project, phase two, and the metro project in Hanoi. What will Hanoi do to continue pursuing these projects?

Japan has informed neither the Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment nor the Hanoi People’s Committee yet. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) haven’t talked with us about this. When they officially confirm a reduction in capital or suspension of capital grant, we can work out alternative plans.

The US, Europe and Japan are facing difficulties due to economic slowdown. If Japan reduces its assistance for Vietnam, we will be affected because if we don’t have money, how can we invest in projects? So projects may slow down, be suspended or their scales be narrowed.

Of the five key works to celebrate the 1000^th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi (Lang-Hoa Lac highway, Vinh Tuy Bridge, Hanoi transport capability improvement projects), some are funded by Japanese ODA capital. If Japan’s ODA is cut down, how will these projects be dealt with?

We still have to finish these projects. We are trying to complete the construction of Vinh Tuy Bridge before October 10, 2010. There are some problems associated with the Lang-Hoa Lac highway project. The recent historic flood seriously hit this project and it may affect the pace of construction.

Has the JICA-funded project to upgrade the Yen So pumping station been affected by problems related to Japanese ODA?

The second phase of this project has started. Generally, Hanoi gives priority to water drainage. The project will be carried out as planned.

(Source: Dan Tri)