Japan will provide more official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam to implement infrastructure projects to serve national socio-economic development, Ambassador Tanizaki Yasuaki said. Mr. Yasuaki made the statement at a meeting with National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung in the capital city of Hanoi on Nov 21.The diplomat also expressed his hopes that Vietnam will continue to improve the investment environment to facilitate the operation of Japanese businesses in the country.For his part, Mr. Hung said that Vietnam will do its utmost to promote cooperation between the two countries. He also thanks the Japanese government for maintaining ODA provision to Vietnam.The NA chairman expressed his hope that besides the cooperation between the two legislatures, parliamentary agencies will boost exchanges of professional experience.Japan has pledged a total $23 billion in ODA for Vietnam since 1992. In Japanese fiscal year 2011, Japan provided JPY270 billion ($3.4 billion) of ODA to 16 projects in Vietnam, a record high.ODA is one of the key sources of dollars for Vietnam, after exports, foreign direct investment (FDI) and remittances. However, experts advise Vietnam to reduce the use of ODA to improve efficiency and avoid a debt burden in the future. (Thoi Bao Kinh Doanh –Business Times Nov 22 p1, Lao Dong – Labor Nov 22 p1)
