PM stresses need to push ODA disbursement
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on October 29 ordered competent ministries, sectors, and localities to take stronger actions to speed up the disbursement of official development assistance (ODA) and foreign loans for 2020, as disbursement remains at a critically-low level.
Chairing a video conference, the PM stressed the need to disburse the Government’s foreign borrowings as quickly as possible, as they are important resources for the country’s development.
Foreign loans have totalled some VND60 trillion (US$2.59 billion) this year, nearly VND40 trillion of which was allocated to localities, the Government leader said, adding that capital disbursed during the past 10 months was just 30% of the total funds.
The snail’s pace of disbursement was sparked by slow site clearance, inadequate reciprocal funds, and poorly capable contractors, the PM pointed out.
He asked local leaders to adopt more drastic measures, work to clarify the roles and responsibility of investors, and enhance coordination with ministries and sectors.
Leaders must be responsible for performing their duties and must discipline any organisations or individuals hampering disbursement.
Meanwhile, ministries and sectors need to complete the legal framework and compile ODA plans for the next five years in a more effective manner.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance are entrusted with simplifying project approval and adjustment procedures, he said.
