Gov’t looks to effectively tap ODA
VGP – Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai asked that the wastefulness of ODA management and slow disbursement must be handled properly in the coming time.
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Mr. Hai suggested that the steering committee and the six ODA development banks work closely towards more rapid distribution of the funds into the projects.
Participants proposed improvements in site clearance on transport and urban development projects.
Bidders and project managers of several transport projects were blamed for their lack of quality management and failure to keep the projects on schedule.
Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung proposed a package of five key measures to boost the disbursement of ODA including (1) administrative reforms, supplements and amendments to a number of existing laws relating to ODA; (2) better management and oversight of ODA-funded programs; (3) closer coordination between the National Steering Committee for ODA and Preferential Loans and the six development banks and, (4) delineated responsibilities of project managers and officers on projects; (5) improved project selection process.
According to the Steering Committee, in 2013, Viet Nam attracted US$5,137 million of ODA, including US$4,686 million from preferential loans, and US$451 million in non-refundable aid), representing a year-on-year increase of 23%.
A high ratio of funding from big donors was disbursed effectively in 2013 with US$ 1,686 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and US$1,359 million from the World Bank (WB). The Asia Development Bank (ADB) level of disbursed ODA exceeded US$1,300 million, the largest it has ever recorded./.
By Khanh Phuong
