Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces exchange experiences in implementing projects using World Bank funding.

Attending the working session, on the side of Nghe An province were: Mr. Nguyen Duc Trung - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Mr. Le Ngoc Hoa - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; and leaders of departments, agencies, and localities.

Representing Ha Tinh province were: Mr. Hoang Trung Dung - Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; Mr. Tran Tien Hung - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Ms. Tran Tu Anh - Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; and leaders of relevant departments and agencies.

Scene from the working session. Photo: Pham Bang

Currently, two projects using foreign funding are being implemented in Nghe An province.WBThese are the Medium-Sized Urban Development Project in Vietnam - Vinh Sub-project and the Priority Infrastructure and Climate Change Adaptation Urban Development Project for Vinh City, Nghe An Province.

The Medium-Sized Urban Development Project in Vietnam - Vinh Sub-project has a total investment of overThe project has a total budget of US$168.484 million, of which US$98 million is a loan from the World Bank. It comprises four components: improving services and upgrading basic infrastructure; improving sanitation; urban bridges and roads; and strengthening technical capacity and providing technical support.

Leaders of the Vinh City People's Committee exchange experiences during the project implementation process. Photo: Pham Bang

The project aims to enhance Vinh City's infrastructure services through investment in basic infrastructure, improved environmental sanitation, and improved road networks. It also aims to improve environmental conditions in areas such as canals, ditches, lakes, and schools, thereby enhancing the living conditions of residents and contributing to the completion and development of infrastructure, meeting the overall development requirements of the city.

Currently, the project has completed all items and been handed over for use; it has been audited by the Government Inspectorate and the State Audit Office Region II, and the final accounts for all project items have been assessed and approved.

Comrade Le Ngoc Hoa - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, speaks at the working session. Photo: Pham Bang

For the Vinh City Climate Change Adaptation and Priority Infrastructure Project in Nghe An province, the total investment is 168 million USD, of which 130 million USD is a loan from the World Bank, with an implementation period of 5 years, from 2021 to 2025.

The project comprises three components: Integrated urban infrastructure development; Comprehensive urban improvement adapting to climate change; and Adaptation management and project implementation support.

In March 2019, the People's Committee of Nghe An province submitted a document to the Ministry of Planning and Investment proposing the "Priority Infrastructure and Urban Development Project Adapting to Climate Change in Vinh City, Nghe An Province," and by November 2019, the World Bank had signed a Memorandum of Understanding pre-determining the proposed project.

The Provincial People's Committee has already sent an explanatory document to the Government Office; it is expected that the Government Office will compile it and submit it to the Prime Minister for consideration and approval of the project proposal in January 2021.

Leaders of the Department of Construction of Ha Tinh province speak at the working session. Photo: Pham Bang

During the meeting, the members of the Ha Tinh provincial delegation asked many questions and raised concerns about issues in the process of accessing and implementing projects using World Bank funding.

Leaders from departments, agencies, localities, and the People's Committee of Nghe An province shared experiences on the initial survey process, dossier preparation, close coordination with donors, and the development of plans and implementation roadmaps.

Comrade Hoang Trung Dung - Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council of Ha Tinh province, speaks at the working session. Photo: Pham Bang

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Duc Trung emphasized that Nghe An and Ha Tinh were once one province. Therefore, the two provinces must be closely connected and share with each other to develop together and go further together. In an open spirit, he stressed three issues to note when accessing capital and implementing projects using World Bank (WB) funds.

According to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, the first issue is project selection and preparation. This work must be done meticulously and thoroughly, meeting the criteria of the province and the donor. In addition, a long-term vision is needed, taking into account the development trends of urban areas, to select effective projects. If projects are well selected and prepared, they will be implemented successfully.

Comrade Nguyen Duc Trung - Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, speaks at the working session. Photo: Pham Bang

The second issue is funding; it's necessary to assess the province's ability to repay debts and the terms and conditions of borrowing and repayment. Based on this, suitable projects can be selected and proposed to ensure effective implementation.

Thirdly, when selecting projects and accessing funding, attention must be paid to documentation procedures; close coordination with ministries, government agencies, and donors is essential to promptly resolve any related issues.

Following the working session, the delegation from Ha Tinh province visited the site of the Medium-Sized Urban Development Project in Vietnam - Vinh Sub-project.