ODA disbursement sees positive changes
The Official Development Assistance (ODA) secured in 2014 totaled US$4.3 billion, including US$4.16 billion in preferential loans and US$202 million in non-rendable aid.
The information was announced at a meeting between the National Steering Committee on ODA and Preferential Loans and six international banks to devise a plan on implementing ODA projects in 2015. Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai chaired the meeting.
Over 70% of ODA was prioritized for developing socio-economic infrastructure with a focus on ODA projects’ preparations to ensure the target of maintaining public debts sustainably.
Disbursement of ODA and other preferential capital sources in 2014 reached approximately US$5.6 billion, 9% higher than that in 2013.
Such sponsors as the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank maintained disbursement rates.
However, the disbursement was lower than expected and unequal among localities.
At the meeting, representatives from major sponsors suggested several solutions to address shortcomings in building and approving the list of sponsored projects, negotiations and issues raising in ODA projects.
To improve the effectiveness of ODA and preferential loans, the meeting came up with several solutions to fulfill set tasks in the action plan on improving ODA projects’ implementation in the 2014-2015 period and enhancing preparations for the projects.
Relevant State management agencies and sponsors agreed to organize regularly meetings to review the implementation and address promptly arising issues in order to fasten the implementation and raise disbursement in ODA projects and programs.
