PM: Vietnam considers ADB important partner
Hanoi (VNA) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is one of the most important partners
in providing capital, technical assistance and policy advice to Vietnam, Prime
Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said at the 50th anniversary of the establishment of
the bank.
The PM said as a
founding member, Vietnam always proactively contributes to the development of
the ADB and makes efforts to build a close and effective relationship with the
bank.
The opening of the
ADB representative office in Vietnam in December, 1996, is an important
landmark in the Vietnam-ADB relationship and since then, the office has acted
as a bridge, helping bring the relationship to a new height, the PM said.
He noted that the
two sides have signed and implemented more than 160 programmes and projects
worth around 16 billion USD in total, including Official Development Assistance
and concessional loans.
The ADB’s
projects in Vietnam cover a wide range with a focus on supporting equal and
sustainable growth, PM Phuc said, stressing that they have been implemented
effectively, helping transform Vietnam from a poor nation into a middle income country
deeply integrated into the region and the world.
The PM affirmed
the ADB has been not only a sponsor but also a partner in advising policies for
the Vietnamese government and the ABD’s researches and reports have been useful
consulting materials for the Vietnamese government.
The head of the Vietnamese
government said despite difficulties and challenges, Vietnam will continue to
strongly implement reform programmes, maintain macro-economic stability,
perfect institutions, improve investment environment, develop the workforce,
protect the environment and respond to climate change while ensuring social
security, thus laying a firm foundation for long-term development.
In that process,
Vietnam will always treasure and use effectively the capital and loans provided
by the ADB, he said, expressing the hope that the bank and its Vietnam office
will closely work with ministries and localities for the successful
implementation of the Vietnam-ADB Country Partnership Strategy for the
2016-2020 period.
The PM also
asked the bank to continue working with Vietnam in regional mechanisms like the
Mekong sub-region, ACMECS, CLMV, and CLV for economic connectivity, transport
infrastructure, sustainable poverty alleviation, and climate change response.
At the event,
the ADB Country Director Eric Sidgwick said in the past 50 years, the bank has
loaned 250 billion USD for infrastructure, research, and knowledge sharing to
open up opportunities and create prosperity across Asia-Pacific.
The ABD has closely
worked with the Vietnamese government to promote equal development, reduce poverty
and support sustainable development in the transition from a centrally-planned
economy to a market economy, he said.
Sidgwick
affirmed the ADB’s commitment to stronger support for Vietnam via encouraging
the creation of jobs, enhancing competitiveness, boosting the coverage of
infrastructure and service provision, improving environmental sustainability
and responding to climate change.-VNA