Quang Tri, KOICA extend project aiding people with disabilities

The People’s Committee of Quang Tri Province on April 9 held a working session with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Vietnam to review and accelerate progress on the “Social Protection and Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities” project.

The development project funded by South Korea’s KOICA through non-refundable ODA has been extended to 2027, with construction scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year.Approved in November 2024, the project has a total investment of over VND293.3 billion (US$11.9 million). Originally planned for 2022–2025, the timeline was officially extended under Decision No. 732/QD-UBND issued on March 12, 2025. The Provincial Project Management Unit is overseeing implementation.

Overview of the working session between the People's Committee of Quang Tri Province and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Vietnam - Photo: N.B.

According to the updated roadmap, design approvals, cost estimates, and contractor selection are expected to be finalized by Q2 2025. Construction will begin in Q3 and is projected to continue through Q4 2026. The facility is expected to be operational by 2027.

Deputy Country Director of KOICA Vietnam, Lee Gunwoo, speaks at the working session – Photo: N.B.

At the meeting with Vice Chairman of Quang Tri People’s Committee Hoang Nam, Deputy Director of KOICA Vietnam Office Lee Gunwoo thanked Quang Tri’s leadership and departments for their strong support during the project preparation phase. He expressed hope for continued close cooperation to address remaining challenges and ensure smooth implementation.Vice Chairman Hoang Nam reaffirmed the project’s social impact, particularly in supporting vulnerable communities, saying that the province will work closely with KOICA to overcome obstacles and confirmed plans to begin construction by early July 2025.

Vice Chairman of Quang Tri People’s Committee Hoang Nam. Photo: N.B.To maintain project momentum, Nam called on KOICA and the design consultancy to promptly finalize construction drawings, cost estimates, and legal documents. This, he said, would allow the province to expedite review and approval procedures ahead of the planned July 2025 groundbreaking.Nam also stressed the need for strong coordination on key components such as equipment procurement, staff training, and capacity building to ensure the facility operates effectively and sustainably once completed.In addition to expanding Quang Tri’s capacity to support and rehabilitate persons with disabilities, the project stands as a powerful symbol of Vietnam–South Korea cooperation, driven by a shared commitment to inclusive, human-centered development.

Phu Hai-Tung Lam