Quang Tri’s leaders meet French Development Agency’s officials

On October 4, Vice Chairman of Quang Tri Province People’s Committee Le Duc Tien had a working session with the French Development Agency (AFD) delegation, led by AFD Director in Vietnam Herve Conan.

Overview of the meeting. Photos: K.S

The session focused on implementing the “Central Coastal Urban Development Project,” which aims for green growth and climate change adaptation in Dong Ha City.

Overview of the Project: The Central Coastal Urban Development Project, which focuses on green growth and climate change adaptation for Dong Ha City, is being managed by the Dong Ha City People's Committee and funded by AFD. The project will be carried out from 2024 to 2027, with a total investment of over VND1.15 trillion (US$46,400).

The project’s goal is to develop Dong Ha City into a green urban area, in line with the city’s 2045 development plan, gradually completing its urban infrastructure system.

The project is divided into two main components. The first component focuses on construction, which includes building embankments around Hoi Song, reinforcing the western bank of the Thach Han River, and the northern bank of the Vinh Phuoc River. Additionally, it involves upgrading drainage systems for Trung Chi Lake and Khe May Lake, as well as improving the infrastructure of the Nam Song Hieu area. The project will also renovate low-income areas to enhance living conditions.

The second component provides technical and capacity-building support. This includes assisting with urban development planning, especifically for climate change adaptation and flood management. It also covers implementation activities related to the investment program, launching a pilot urban development and green growth initiative in Vietnam, and promoting local economic activities. The component further aims to support green job creation, aligning with the project’s broader goals of sustainable development.

Currently, the project has made progress, including the completion of technical design drawings and initial land clearance. For 2024, VND21 billion ($847,000) has been allocated, with VND16.8 billion (80.10%) disbursed.

AFD officials at the meeting.

AFD’s Recommendations and Discussions: During the meeting, the AFD delegation discussed funding agreements, project implementation conditions, AFD’s no-objection procedure, the project’s timeline, and environmental and social issues.

The AFD team proposed establishing a provincial-level steering committee for technical support activities. Both sides also discussed technical matters to ensure the project meets its targets.

In 2024, the project will invite bids for the “Low-Income Area Improvement – Transportation” and “Low-Income Area Improvement – Drainage” construction packages.

Both sides committed to ensuring that AFD-funded contracts would adhere to international best practices and standards in the relevant sectors.

Vice Chairman Le Duc Tien speaks at the meeting.

Vice Chairman Le Duc Tien’s Remarks: Vice Chairman Le Duc Tien highlighted that Quang Tri Province is frequently impacted by storms and floods. He requested that the technical component of the project focus on effective drainage systems and environmental safety. He assured the AFD delegation of Dong Ha’s experience in implementing large projects and expressed confidence in the project’s successful execution.

The province agreed with AFD’s proposal to establish a provincial-level steering committee for technical support activities. Land clearance will be managed effectively to accelerate the project’s progress.

Kan Suong - Linh Pham