Overview of the meeting

Delegates attending the working session

Accordingly, the Project was approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 172/QD-TTg dated February 7, 2024. The total investment for 2024-2027 implementation period is over VND 685 billion, of which the loan from AFD is over VND 492 billion, the counterpart fund is over VND 152 billion and non-refundable aid is over VND 40 billion. The project investor was former Bac Kan City People's Committee.

The Project's objective is to enhance the integrated management of Cau River basin, Nong Thuong stream basin and Pa Danh stream basin to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, primarily floods, droughts and river/stream bank erosion, which affect the lives and property of the people and to support socio-economic development under climate change conditions.

Before the administrative unit merger between Thai Nguyen and Bac Kan provinces to ensure the project's continuous and uninterrupted implementation, former Bac Kan Province People's Committee assigned Bac Kan Ward People's Committee to act as the investor and continue carrying out the project. However, since the project covers a wide area including Bac Kan Ward, Duc Xuan Ward and Phong Quang Commune, there have been difficulties in management. Therefore, Bac Kan Ward has proposed that Thai Nguyen Province People's Committee assign the Northern Transport and Agricultural Construction Investment Project Management Board as the investor.

Mr. Hervé Conan, Director of AFD in Vietnam speaking at the working session

At the working session, two sides discussed and clarified some contents regarding the handover of the investor role, the bidding process for project implementation, site clearance, the allocation of necessary counterpart funds for 2025 and 2026-2030 period and the implementation of subsequent steps to ensure the Project's progress.

Comrade Nguyen Linh, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, discussing and clarifying contents related to the Project

Speaking at the working session, Comrade Nguyen Linh, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, emphasized the important role and significance of the Project for Thai Nguyen province. He stated that the Provincial People's Committee will soon issue a document assigning the Northern Transport and Agricultural Construction Investment Project Management Board as the investor to ensure the project is not interrupted.

The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee affirmed: The work of compensation and site clearance, bidding and counterpart fund allocation will be directed by the Provincial People's Committee for the earliest possible implementation in accordance with Vietnamese law and the agreements signed by both parties, to ensure the project continues to be implemented as planned. Regarding other contents such as project management and operations, he noted that with Thai Nguyen's experience in implementing foreign-funded projects, AFD can be assured of the Project's implementation in the province.

Comrade Nguyen Linh, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, presenting a gift of specialty tea of Thai Nguyen province to Mr. Hervé Conan, Country Director of AFD in Vietnam