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Japan to prioritise small-scale ODA projects
The Japanese government is considering increasing the number of small-scale Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects to Vietnam in the near future, said Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Mitsuo Sakaba.
The diplomat told a Vietnam News Agency reporter on the sidelines of the signing ceremony of a contract for small-scale ODA projects in the northern provinces of Bac Giang and Hoa Binh on March 10.
Ambassador Sakaba explained that an important factor behind Japan increasing small-scale ODA projects to Vietnam is the positive impact they have on the lives of local people.
“At present, the number of small-scale ODA projects makes up only 0.3 percent of total ODA projects of the Japanese government. The figure is too small for practical demands, which I have learned through visits to localities,” said Sakaba.
In recent years, the Japanese government has financed around 30 ODA projects in Vietnam each year, focusing on the construction of schools, safe-water supply projects, rural roads and medical equipment.
The Japanese Embassy regularly sends representatives to cities and provinces to study and examine feasibility and effectiveness of projects.
In his visits to Vietnamese localities, Sakaba pledged further assistance, as he saw first-hand the joy of local students studying at their new schools, and poor patients getting treatment thanks to Japanese-funded medical equipment.
The ambassador further elaborated that small-scale ODA contracts always require local contractors to carry out projects with the participation of local residents.
This helps create new jobs and allows those who will actually be impacted by the project to manage quality and ensure effectiveness of ODA capital.
Regarding the alleged corruption case involving Japan ’s Pacific Consultants International (PCI) and HCM City municipal officials, which resulted in Japan suspending all future ODA funding, the Ambassador described the situation as a “very unfortunate case”.
However, corrective efforts on the Vietnamese side demonstrated the country’s determination to fight corruption and ensure transparency in ODA projects, he said, adding Japan’s decision to resume ODA contributions reflects the Japanese government’s faith in Vietnam.
The Ambassador concluded by saying that helping Vietnam develop its economy is a priority for the Japanese government./.
Vietnamplus
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