This morning (April 18th), in Hanoi, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh had a meeting and worked with Ms. Mariam Sherman – WB Country Director for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Lao. Attending the meeting were leaders of units under the Ministry of Construction; senior officials and experts of the WB.
At the meeting, Ms. Mariam Sherman congratulated Minister Tran Hong Minh on being trusted by the Party and State to hold the important position of the new Minister of Construction - one of the very important sectors in realizing the goals set by Vietnam, especially the development of technical infrastructure and socio-economic infrastructure.
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Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh received Mariam Sherman, WB Country Director for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Lao.
The World Bank (WB) remains strongly committed to supporting infrastructure development in Vietnam, particularly in the field of transport, said Mariam Sherman. Sherman noted that the bank has recently deployed a number of highly experienced experts to Vietnam to strengthen collaboration and accelerate the implementation of joint projects.
Recalling the good results of the meetings between World Bank President Ajay Banga with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in recent times, she expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation will continue to yield positive results, particularly in the areas of transport infrastructure and construction.
Minister Tran Hong Ming spoke at the meeting.
The WB country director also shared her interest in the Ministry’s upcoming priorities, especially the progress of key projects between the sides, including the one on the Mekong Delta’s integrated regional connectivity and climate resilience (Upgrading 3 National Highways: 53, 62 and 91B). In addition, she expressed her hope that both sides would soon agree on a concrete roadmap to establish a National Railway Operations Centre and work to further expedite the implementation of transport-related projects.
For his part, Minister Minh stated the Vietnamese Government always appreciates the World Bank’s long-standing support for the country’s socio-economic development and global integration, particularly in areas such as poverty alleviation, gender equality, and development in remote and disadvantaged regions.
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Ms Mariam Sherman spoke at the meeting.
Regarding the issue of decentralization of national highway management, Minister Minh noted the 2024 Road Law stipulates decentralization of national highway and expressway management to localities. For projects in preparation, depending on the specific conditions of each project, the Ministry of Construction will report to the competent authority for implementation.
Regarding the Mekong connectivity and climate project, he said the ministry plans to approve the investment proposal within the second quarter, with the goal of negotiating and signing a loan agreement in the final quarter. He called on the WB to continue working closely with the Vietnam Road Administration and Project Management Board 8 during the preparation process.
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Overview working session.
Regarding the railway technical support projects, Minister Tran Hong Minh requested the WB to continue working with the Vietnam Railway Authority to clarify the content of technical support for the Vietnam Railway Authority to consider and report to the Ministry of Construction. At the same time, the Minister assigned the Department of Financial Planning to preside over synthesizing proposals from agencies and units under the Ministry and report and advise the Ministry's leaders.
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Delegates took a photo at the meeting.
Vietnam values its partnership with the bank and looks forward to further receiving its effective support, the official affirmed. Both sides agreed to further deepen their exchange and cooperation in the coming time.