World Bank to support Vietnam in dam safety review following WB8 project

Acting Minister Thang began the meeting by expressing appreciation for the World Bank's attention, support, and effective cooperation with Vietnam's agriculture and environment sector. He acknowledged the WB's contributions across various fields, including agriculture, rural development, forestry, biodiversity conservation, fisheries, irrigation, climate change, and natural resources.

"This support has helped Vietnam move closer to its sustainable development goals", he said.

Accelerating project procedures

Acting Minister Thang highlighted several projects the WB has supported, is supporting, or plans to assist in Vietnam. These include the Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Cultivation in the Mekong Delta (the "One Million Hectare Rice Project"), the Dam Rehabilitation and Safety Improvement Project (WB8), the Mekong Delta Integrated Climate Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods Project (MERIT), and the Sustainable Fisheries Development Project.

Regarding the One Million Hectare Rice Project, the acting minister emphasized that the Vietnamese government is highly committed to this initiative, which aims to both increase the value of rice and reduce emissions in the Mekong Delta. In addition to a committed loan, the WB has also secured a non-refundable grant of approximately $50 million for the project. Vietnam is currently finalizing the procedures for this grant.

"We are committed to sending an official letter to the WB on this matter before September 30", the head of the agriculture and environment sector stated.

In agreement, Sherman noted that both sides need to expedite the process to launch the grant soon, adding that completing the procedures before September 30 would be ideal. The acting minister responded by saying he would promptly consult with the leadership of the Ministry of Finance to send the official letter to the WB this week.

WB stays ready to support dam safety assessment

Sherman noted that some technical issues have arisen with several dams in Vietnam following the conclusion of the WB8 Dam Rehabilitation and Safety Improvement Project.

"We have a process for addressing issues that persist after a project ends. I hope we can resolve them quickly and thoroughly", Sherman said.

She explained that once issues are identified, a plan must be created to address them, and she sought guidance from acting Minister Thang to establish a specific roadmap.

"We are ready to provide technical assistance to Vietnam to assess and review the safety of these dams", Sherman affirmed, expressing her desire for the WB8 project to conclude without any outstanding issues. She suggested that both sides should work together to resolve all problems within the next two months.

Acting Minister Thang listened to the WB’s concerns and assured that he would direct relevant ministry units to address the lingering issues promptly. He noted that the WB8 project is of great importance to both the government and the ministry. He has assigned Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep to oversee the matter and provide close direction.

"This week, relevant ministry units will submit a report to me on all the issues related to the project. From there, I will issue directives to resolve the problems as soon as possible, not in two months as you suggested", acting Minister Thang said.

In addition to the two major projects discussed, Sherman noted that several other projects between the WB and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment are progressing well, specifically the Mekong Delta Integrated Climate Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods Project (WB11) and the Sustainable Fisheries Development Project. However, the WB official also expressed interest in the progress of preparations for the latter and requested that documents be shared soon so that both sides can begin negotiations.

Sherman also mentioned the pre-feasibility and feasibility assessments for a coastal risk project, for which the WB is also prepared to assist the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

Recognizing Vietnam’s rapid growth, Sherman proposed high-level strategic discussions on areas where the ministry would like the WB to prioritize support and mobilize global resources.

"These plans would not be for just one or two years, but much further into the future. I hope we can have such a high-level strategic forum", she added.