Hanoi (VNA) – The World Bank (WB) remains strongly committed to supporting infrastructure development in Vietnam, particularly in the field of transport, said Mariam Sherman, WB Country Director for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Lao, during a working session with Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh in Hanoi on April 18.
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.
She expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation will continue to yield positive results, particularly in the areas of transport infrastructure and construction.
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.
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.
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 Vietnamese authorities during the preparation process. 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 time to come./.
VNA
