Japan promised to continue supporting Vietnam’s economic development through its official development assistance (ODA), affirmed Japanese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kazuya Shimba.Mr. Shimba made the statement at a meeting with Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh during the two sides’ talks in Tokyo recently. Mr. Shimba announced that Japan’s intention to provide JPY15 billion ($190 million) in ODA for Vietnam to carry out its Support Program to Respond to Climate Change in Japanese fiscal year 2012.Japan would also provide Vietnam with $1.21 billion in ODA loans in the first half of fiscal year 2012 to help the country implement six infrastructure projects including the Hanoi urban railway project, the Hanoi-HCM City railway line bridges safety improvement project, the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port, a road linking Noi Bai international airport to Nhat Tan bridge, O Mon III power plant and the north Nghe An irrigation system upgrading project.“Japan wants to help Vietnam increase its competitiveness and grow sustainably.” Mr. Shimba said the Japanese ODA hike also serves to improve the business environment for Japanese enterprises in Vietnam.Japan has pledged a total $23 billion in ODA for Vietnam since 1992. In Japanese fiscal year 2011, Japan provided JPY270 billion of ODA to 16 projects in Vietnam, a record high. (Vietnam Investment Review Dec 3-9, p3)
