JICA to Continue Providing ODA for Vietnam Next Years

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has pledged to continue providing official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam in the coming years, JICA’s chief representative Tsuno Motonori said. Vietnam is now among average income countries, proving the country’s higher economic capacity and more effective use of capital, thus the agency made such the commitment, Motonori was cited by state-run Vietnam News Agency as saying. The JICA will help Vietnam upgrade its transport, electricity infrastructure and improve personnel training and policy mechanisms as well, he noted, adding that the country has been the most successful in disbursing its funding. The representative, however, urged the Southeast Asian country to mobilize more private capitals through public private partnerships (PPP). JICA earlier pledged to fund JPY18.3 billion ($203.6 million) to the East-West Corridor and Water Environment Improvement projects in the southern metropolis.  At the Consultative Group (CG) Meeting held in Hanoi late last year, Japan pledged to provide Vietnam with $1.64 billion in ODA this year. (www.vietnamplus.vn Sept 30)